ECHL Recap: South Carolina Stingrays vs. Wichita Thunder | 01/27/2024

The Stingrays were back in action to take on Wichita for their second of three meetings of the weekend, but this time as the South Carolina Sharks. With Jarid Lukosevicious exploring options in Europe, Josh Thrower was activated and added to the fourth line with Garet Hunt. 

Austin Magera put the Sharks on the board first, off an almost impossible angle from the left side within the first 3 minutes of the first period. Ivan Lodina quickly followed Magera’s lead, with Tyson Empey being pushed into the goalie, leaving an open net for Lodina. The goal was later reviewed and waived off, leaving the score a 1-0. 

Josh Thrower threw the mitts down with the intent to take on Kelly Bent, but he would not go, sending Thrower to the box for unsportsmanlike conduct and the Thunder on a power play. The power play would be killed with no shots on goal. Thrower and Kelly would go for a tilt 23 seconds out of the box, and Thrower would do what he does best, throw down, landing many good jabs on Bent. 

The Sharks continued their hunt into the second period as Jack Adams dropped off a beaut of a pass for Kevin O’Neil as he delayed the shot, to sneak right past the glove of Gorsuch. Garin Bjorklund continued to be calm, even after Stinil snuck one past him at the 15-minute mark. He kept his composure between the pipes and was quick back to his feet. The action didn’t stop there, as Roman Kinal was sent to the box for a cross-check, putting the Sharks on a man advantage. Kevin O’Neil sent a rocket towards the net, which Tyson Empey quickly finished the job on the rebound, putting the Sharks up 3-1. With less than a minute left, Austin. Magera landed a backhanded shot for his second goal of the night, chomping for a hat trick. 

The Shark opened up the third period with many scoring opportunities, including a few breakaways, open zone opportunities, and 2-1’s, but just couldn’t capitalize. Garin Bjorklund continued to stand on business on the back end, even saving a close-range turnover from becoming a goal. Stinhil was called for interference with six minutes left in the period, giving the Shark another advantage. Bryce Montgomery put a shot on goal quickly, which Tyson Empey swept in to make it 5-1, also putting Empey on hatty watch. Witchia tried to chomp their way back throughout the period, but it would be nothing compared to the efforts of South Carolina, who outshot them 39-23. With three seconds left in the game, equipment on both sides of the bench went flying into a brawl in the corner. Tyson Empey, Austin Magera, Jake Wahlin, and Dillion Boucher would all leave the altercation with roughing minors. 

The Stingrays will take on Wichita in their final matchup on Sunday for Cool Ray’s Birthday as well as announcing the date for Andrew Chernichwchan jersey number being lifted into the rafters of the North Charleston Coliseum.