South Carolina Stingrays Overpower Jacksonville Icemen 4-1 With Power‑Play Surge in Second and Third Periods

Stingrays Dominate Icemen in Decisive 4-1 Victory

North Charleston, SC – The South Carolina Stingrays delivered a commanding performance on January 30th, defeating the Jacksonville Icemen 4-1 at the North Charleston Coliseum. A crowd of 5,041 spectators witnessed the Stingrays secure their 26th win of the season, showcasing a strong offensive push in the second and third periods.

Second Period Surge Propels Stingrays

The opening period concluded without either team finding the back of the net. Though, the Stingrays quickly changed that early in the second frame. Charlie Combs broke the deadlock, capitalizing on a feed from Stan Cooley to give South Carolina a 1-0 lead. This marked a pivotal shift in momentum for the home team.

Just over seven minutes later, Connor Moore extended the Stingrays’ advantage with a power-play goal, his second of the season. The Icemen struggled to respond, facing a mounting deficit as the second period progressed.

Icemen attempt Comeback, But Stingrays Hold Firm

Late in the second period, Jacksonville managed to narrow the gap.Bennett MacArthur scored during a four-minute power play, bringing the score to 2-1. Despite creating a glimmer of hope, the Icemen were unable to sustain the pressure.

Stingrays Goaltender Seth Eisele proved to be an insurmountable obstacle for the Icemen, turning away all 12 shots directed his way during the final period. His stellar performance was crucial in preserving South Carolina’s lead.

Final Period Seals the Deal

With under five minutes left in regulation, Kaden Bohlsen converted a breakaway prospect, restoring the Stingrays’ two-goal cushion at 3-1. Ludwig Persson then punctuated the victory with an empty-net goal in the closing seconds,finalizing the score at 4-1.

Game Statistics

Eisele’s remarkable performance earned him his ninth win of the season, having successfully defended 29 of 30 shots throughout the contest. Persson and Simon Pinard each contributed with multi-point performances, highlighting the Stingrays’ overall team effort. A collective nine players registered at least one point for South Carolina.

Team	Score	Shots on Goal
South Carolina Stingrays	4	32
Jacksonville Icemen	1	30

looking Ahead

The Stingrays and Icemen will conclude their home-and-home series on January 31st, with the puck dropping at 7 p.m. at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. South Carolina will return to the North Charleston Coliseum on February 7th to face the Jacksonville Icemen once more, with a 6:05 p.m. start time.

The ECHL, serving as the premier ‘AA’ hockey league, continues to provide thrilling action and advancement opportunities for aspiring professional athletes.According to the ECHL, over 600 players each season move on to higher levels of professional hockey, including the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Hockey league (NHL).

Do you think the Stingrays’ strong performance is indicative of a potential playoff run? And how important is goaltending consistency to a team’s success in the ECHL?

share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow hockey enthusiasts!

How did the South Carolina Stingrays’ power‑play strategy contribute to their victory over the Jacksonville Icemen?

South Carolina Stingrays Dominate Jacksonville Icemen with Power-Play Prowess

The South Carolina Stingrays delivered a decisive victory over the Jacksonville Icemen on January 31, 2026, securing a 4-1 win fueled by a relentless power-play attack in the second and third periods. The game, a key matchup in the ECHL standings, showcased the Stingrays’ ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain defensive solidity.

First Period: A Tight Defensive Battle

The opening frame was characterized by strong goaltending from both sides and a cautious approach to offensive plays. Neither team managed to break the deadlock, with both netminders – Stingrays’ goaltender Clay Stevenson and the Icemen’s Francois Brassard – turning aside numerous scoring chances. Jacksonville appeared to control the initial pace, but South Carolina’s defensive structure prevented any clear-cut opportunities.The period ended scoreless, setting the stage for a more dynamic second.

Second Period: Stingrays Ignite the Power Play

The Stingrays dramatically shifted the momentum in the second period,largely thanks to their potent power-play unit.

* Goal 1 (7:32): A tripping penalty against Jacksonville’s Abate provided the Stingrays with their first power-play opportunity. Forward Justin Murray capitalized,firing a wrist shot past brassard to give South Carolina a 1-0 lead.

* Goal 2 (12:58): A hooking call on the Icemen’s Olson resulted in another Stingrays power play. This time, defenseman Dylan Zink connected with a slapshot from the point, extending the lead to 2-0.

* Jacksonville Responds (16:45): The Icemen managed to cut the deficit before the period ended. Forward Zach Jordan scored a wrist shot,beating Stevenson glove-side,making it 2-1.

The second period saw a significant increase in physicality,with both teams engaging in several board battles and contested puck possessions. The Stingrays’ ability to draw penalties and convert on the power play proved to be the difference maker.

Third Period: Sealing the Victory

South Carolina continued to dominate in the third, further exploiting Jacksonville’s penalty trouble.

* Goal 3 (4:17): A cross-checking penalty against Jacksonville’s Crawford gave the Stingrays yet another power-play chance. Captain Josh Wilkins scored a deflection in front of the net,restoring the two-goal advantage at 3-1.

* Goal 4 (11:03): The Stingrays added an insurance goal with a shorthanded breakaway. Forward Patrick Guzzo, showcasing notable speed and skill, scored unassisted, pushing the score to 4-1.

The Icemen attempted a late-game comeback, pulling their goalie for an extra attacker, but the Stingrays’ defense held firm, effectively shutting down any offensive threats. stevenson proved crucial, stopping all 12 shots faced in the final frame.

Power-Play Performance: A Key Factor

The stingrays’ power-play unit was undeniably the catalyst for their victory. Converting on three of their five power-play opportunities, they demonstrated both precision and execution. This performance highlights the importance of special teams in ECHL hockey and the Stingrays’ coaching staff’s emphasis on power-play strategy.

Goaltending Duel & player Stats

Clay Stevenson finished the night with 28 saves on 29 shots, earning the win for South Carolina. Francois Brassard stopped 24 of 28 shots for Jacksonville.

Key player statistics:

* Justin murray (SC): 1 Goal, 1 Assist

* Josh Wilkins (SC): 1 Goal

* Dylan Zink (SC): 1 Goal

* Patrick Guzzo (SC): 1 Goal (Shorthanded)

* Zach Jordan (JAX): 1 Goal

Looking Ahead: Implications for the ECHL Standings

This win strengthens the South Carolina Stingrays’ position in the ECHL standings. The team’s consistent performance, notably their success on the power play, makes them a formidable opponent. The Jacksonville Icemen, despite the loss, remain competitive and will look to rebound in their next matchup. this game serves as a reminder of the intense competition within the ECHL and the importance of disciplined play and special teams execution.