The week began with Vitek Vanecek earning his first professional shutout against the Florida Everblades. He stopped all 21 shots he faced, including 11 in the first period, while Colin Mulvey and Joey Leach gave him all the offense the Stingrays would need. Both teams failed to convert on the power play, with the Stingrays going 0-for-5.
The Stingrays regained their captain from last year, Andrew Rowe, in a loan agreement with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL. Rowe led the team in points with 56 (17 goals, 39 assists) in just 44 games played, splitting time with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL.
Unfortunately, C.J Motte and the Elmira Jackals spoiled Rowe’s homecoming game. Tyler Currier and Mike Seidel scored the only goals of the game in a 2-0 loss. Vanecek made 22 saves in his effort while Motte stopped all 32 Stingray shots. The Stingrays power play went 0-for-3 in this game.
Rowe rallied the Stingrays for the rematch, scoring three points (one goal, two assists) in the 4-1 victory. Brendan Ellis and Rowe scored their first goals of the season, Derek DeBlois scored his third, and Mulvey tallied his second of the week and the season. Branden Komm only needed 20 saves to win his second game in as many starts.
Playing their third game in as many days, the Stingrays sank the Norfolk Admirals, new to the ECHL after many seasons with the AHL, 3-1 on Sunday afternoon. Bobby Shea scored the only goal in the first period despite 17 shots from South Carolina. Rowe and Stephan Vigier provided insurance while Vanecek saved 17 of 18 Admiral shots.
Next weekend, the Stingrays will host the Orlando Solar Bears twice, once on Friday night and once on Saturday night. These are both home games; the Solar Bears have had to adjust their schedule due to playing at the same arena as the Orlando Magic.
CURRENT STANDING
3rd in South Division, 6-5-1-0 (W-L-OTL-SOL), 13 points
