NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The South Carolina Stingrays’ hammered the Trenton Titans 19-33-8 (46 points) last night 4-2 and in the process stopped a two game winless streak. The victory ran the ‘Rays’ record to 33-23-5 (71 points) and keeps them in the playoff hunt as the 2011-12 season starts to wind down. Recently acquired winger Daniel Koger picked up a goal and an assists in the win. He was aided on offense by another relative newcomer Tyler Shelast who also enjoyed a two point night including one goal.
Koger who was recently picked up from Cincinnati in a trade hails from Hungary. He has been a force since arriving using his 6-2 190 lbs size to create scoring opportunities. His goal last night came on a deflection as he stood his ground in front of the net. He has picked up five points including three goals in seven games with South Carolina.
Shelast who also recently joined the ‘Rays from Florida and who was teamed with Koger on the second line picked up an assist on Koger’s goal and scored himself at the 2:39 mark of the third period. Koger returned the assist favor on the Shelast strike.
Shelast and Koger were part of an overall excellent team effort especially in the first two periods. The Rays dominated most of the game as they scored four unanswered goals. Joe Pereira started the scoring with a shot from behind the net that bounced in off a Titans player. Next up Koger’s goal came late in period two and then defenseman Brett Flemming extended the lead to 3-0 just 1:56 into period three. His goal was closely followed by Shelast’s shot and goal.
Philipp Grubauer who started the game in net for South Carolina held Trenton scoreless facing only 13 shots in the first 40 minutes of play. Backup net minder Billy Sauer came in at the start of the final period when Grubauer’s wrist became a bother. Sauer saw more action in one period than did Grubauer as he looked at 16 shots in his 20 minutes of play.
Trenton drew within 4-1 when Ryan Hays picked up his 20th of the season at 8:49 on a power play.
The 4-1 lead held up however until Andy Bohmbach racked up his 23rd score of the season at 18:48 but the Titans could do no more damage. Dave Caruso took the loss in net for Trenton. He was hammered with 27 shots and constant pressure until the outcome of the game was no longer in doubt.
The Rays will have three straight games at home this coming weekend. They host Greenville’s Road Warriors Friday March 9 and Saturday March 10 at 7:05 pm. They close out the weekend by hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones in a 4:00 pm tilt on Sunday.
Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
