NORTH CHARLESTON , SC – It was a happy New Year’s Eve at the North Charleston Coliseum. The South Carolina Stingrays combined four straight goals in the final period to send 4,516 celebrants home or out on the town to face 2010 inebriated but not by alcohol. Instead, a 4-1 win over the Florida EverBlades, their most bitter rival, fueled the New Year’s Eve celebrations. The ‘Rays’ had a difficult start, falling behind 1-0 in the third period. The new-comer Shane Connelly had his first start in the net, in his first game with his new team. It isn’t too much of an over statement to say Connelly only arrived in town long enough to unpack his goalie gear, dress and skate into the net, right after being signed by the team. His signing was necessitated when both goaltenders Todd Ford and Braden Holtby were recalled to American Hockey League teams for what appears to be long-term assignments Connelly played 14 games earlier this season with the ECHLs Johnstown Chiefs before his release. Ironically, the last time he skated on North Charleston Coliseum’ ice, he started for the Chiefs and was pulled after allowing three goals in the opening period as the Chief’s lost 7-1. Tonight was different as the former member of the Chicago Steele of the United States Hockey League and University of Wisconsin NCAA Division One product stopped 33 of the 34 shots he faced. He was particularly strong in the second period as the EverBlades (16-13-5, 37 points) who now trail the ‘Rays by 15 points in the ECHLs South Division, hammered the rookie with 15 shots while holding the home team to just five shots on goal. The teams played scoreless hockey through the first two periods as Connelly turned aside 20 ‘Blades’ shots on goal. Meanwhile, the ‘Rays were unable to solve Florida goalie Mike Morrison as he faced only 13 attempts through two periods. The EverBlades, after an even first period, had the locals reeling in period two and early on in the final stanza. Connelly had the answers, until the scoreless tie was broken at 5:31 into the third period. Florida winger Paul Healy playing in his sixth game for the visitors pushed a shot past Connelly for his second goal of the season. The puck was a rebound of an initial shot by another Florida newcomer, Joe Pistilli who posted the only assist on the strike. The teams played tense, tough and virtually penalty free hockey all night. Referee Joe Sullivan, a graduate of USA Hockey’s Officiating Development Program, whistled only three penalties against each team. The ‘Rays seized the momentum on his last call of the night, a two minute minor for a high stick on Matt Duffy of the EverBlades. Matt Scherer picked up his ninth goal of the season with assists going to goalie Connelly and forward Gregg Johnson with about 10 seconds left on the one-man advantage. Only 42 seconds had ticked off the clock, when the Ray’s scored the game winner. Forward Keith Johnson scored his 13th goal of the season, deflecting a shot by veteran forward Trent Campbell past losing goaltender Morrison. Rookie Jake Hauswirth got his first of two points of the night and the second assist on Campbell’s deflected shot. Hauswirth, another USHL product, provided the third ‘Rays’ goal, his fourth of the season at 13:28. He was setup by Campbell and Keith Johnson. The last goal of the game and the 4-1 winning margin came when the other Johnson brother, Gregg picked up his second point of the evening. His second point came on a goal as he iced the win with less than 5 minutes left in the game. Spencer Carbery and Matt Fornataro provided the work that set up G. Johnson’s eleventh goal of the year. Fornataro now leads the South Carolina roster with 36 points including a team leading 18 goals. His lead may not last long, since he was just recalled to the Norfolk Admirals of the AHL early New Years Day. Fittingly, Connelly got the games number one star for his work in goal, as the ‘Rays closed out 2009 as the overall leader in the ECHL with a 0.722 win percentage and a record of 24-8-4 and 52 points. The ‘Rays play again on January 6th, when they visit Charlotte in another South Division contest. Notes: The Stingrays had four players named to the ECHL All-Star Game. Forward Nikita Kashirsky, Defenseman Zack Takir and goalies Todd Ford and Braden Holtby. Ironically, all four are on long-term recall to the American Hockey League. Florida’s backup goaltender Ian Vigier, an SPHL recall, was warmly received by local fans. They remembered a tough stretch last year that resembles this year. Vigier, recalled from Columbus of the SPHL stepped in for the Stingrays playing in 11 games posting a record of 6-4-1. His first game was a very gutsy win in his ECHL debut at Florida just after the ‘Rays had lost both their goaltenders and had a roster that had been devastated by call ups and injuries. Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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