Estero, FL –The South Carolina Stingrays defeated Florida Everblades in a hard fought, defensive battle 3-2 Friday night in front of 4,592 at Germain Arena.

Florida (3-3-1-0) began the scoring thanks to Mathieu Roy knocking home a centering pass in front of Stingrays goaltender Todd Ford at 12:13 of the first period. Roy’s second goal of the season was helped along by A.J. Thelen and Ernie Hartlieb. The Stingrays answered back thanks to Matt Fornataro’s wrap-around goal at 14:27 beating sprawling Everblade goaltender Mike Morrison. Zach Tarkir earned the lone assist.

The Stingrays (3-2-1-1) started the second period with a jump in their step and forward Gregg Johnson rewarded their efforts with the go-ahead goal at 12:40 from Nikita Kashirsky. Kashirsky started the rush after serving a hooking minor and found a streaking Johnson down the right-wing boards.

The Everblades retaliated early in the third period with a breakaway goal from Roy at 3:46 from Colin Nicholson. Florida caught the Stingrays in a late line change and Nicholson found Roy all alone at the Stingrays blue line for the break. Trent Campbell turned the game back around scoring less than three minutes later. Campbell batted home a rebound from a Dylan Yeo shot at 6:09 to put the Stingrays back on top.

After Campbell’s goal, The Everblades received numerous opportunities to tie the game including a lengthy 5-on-3 power play, but could not solve Ford and the Stingrays defense. Ford stopped 11 shots in the third period and made Campbell’s goal stand as the game-winner. Ford finished the night stopping 33 of 35 Florida chances. Morrison blocked 25 of 28 Stingray shots.

The Stingrays square off against the Florida Everblades in their final game of a three game series Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at Germain Arena. Listen to the game live at Stingrayshockey.com! The Rays return to North Charleston Coliseum Friday, November 14 against the Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m. for the second annual Green Night and Environmentally Friendly hockey game. Ticket packages and individual tickets are on sale now!  Call the Stingrays front office at (843) 744-2248 for more information.  For all the latest Stingrays news, visit www.stingrayshockey.com.

South Carolina Stingrays 3 At Florida Everblades 2 - Status: Final
Oct 30, 2009 - Germain Arena

South Carolina 1 1 1 - 3
Florida 1 0 1 - 2

1st Period-1, Florida, Roy 2 (Thelen, Hartlieb), 12:13. 2, South Carolina, Fornataro 2 (Tarkir, Johnson), 14:27. Penalties-Kashirsky Sc (hooking), 15:16; Kinley Fla (tripping), 18:29.

2nd Period-3, South Carolina, Johnson 1 (Kashirsky), 12:40. Penalties-Kashirsky Sc (hooking), 10:32; Thelen Fla (cross-checking), 13:18; Kiser Sc (fighting - major), 16:49; Hartlieb Fla (fighting - major), 16:49; Thelen Fla (holding), 19:08.

3rd Period-4, Florida, Roy 3 (Nicholson), 3:46. 5, South Carolina, Campbell 3 (Yeo), 6:09. Penalties-Dubuc Sc (boarding), 10:01; Finley Sc (slashing ), 11:39.

Shots on Goal-South Carolina 12-6-10-28. Florida 10-13-12-35.
Power Play Opportunities-South Carolina 0 of 3; Florida 0 of 4.
Goalies-South Carolina, Ford 2-1-0-1 (35 shots-33 saves). Florida, Morrison 3-2-1-0 (28 shots-25 saves).
A-4,592
Referees-Jarrod Ragusin (28).
Linesmen-Matt Devivo (44), James Johnstone (61).