ECHL South Division Semifinals – Game 2 Recap: Orlando Solar Bears vs South Carolina Stingrays

Game Two of the first round of Kelly Cup Playoff hockey lit up the Low Country on Saturday night, as the South Carolina Stingrays and the Orlando Solar Bears hit the ice ready for battle in the South Division. Stingrays fans made their feelings known toward Jack Adams during warm-ups, but both teams kept it civil once the puck dropped. South Carolina recorded its first home-ice hat trick in two seasons, while Orlando showed flashes of promise despite the loss.

First Period

The South Carolina Stingrays took charge right off the puck drop with the first shot on goal. The first penalty of the night was for Orlando’s Chris Harpur and South Carolina’s Justin Nachbaur for fighting at 3:15. A few scrums during this period, with only other fight between Kelly Bent and Andrew Perrott at 11:49. South Carolina ended up with a slashing call by Lynden Breen. The period ends scoreless with Mitchell Gibson between the pipes for Carolina and Jon Gillies again for Orlando. South Carolina outshooting Orlando 15-6.

Second Period

Second period gets underway, and South Carolina takes control of the puck. South Carolina’s Josh Wilkins sinks the first goal at 3:04 and his second at 15:03. Orlando’s Brayden Low ends up with the only penalty of the period for slew-footing on Tyler Weiss in front of the net with 30 seconds left. Both teams are locking down the emotions and getting down to business. Gillies made nine out of 11 saves, and Gibson made five. 

Third Period

In the third period, the Solar Bears looked to claw their way back, starting the frame a man down for four minutes. South Carolina continued to dominate on faceoffs, setting the tone early. A hooking call on Ryan Hofer gave Orlando a power play opportunity, and Jaydon Dureau capitalized with his first postseason goal to make it 2–1. Moments later, a high-sticking penalty on Orlando’s Spencer Kersten put the Stingrays on the power play—where Josh Wilkins completed his hat trick, restoring a two-goal lead at 3–1. A final penalty on Orlando’s Anthony Bardaro went scoreless.

With just over three minutes remaining, the Solar Bears pulled Jon Gillies for the extra attacker. A battle for the puck with South Carolina’s Tyler Weiss led to a shot at the empty net, but it deflected wide off Mark Auk’s glove, resulting in an icing call and a faceoff in the Stingrays’ zone with 2:09 left. Off the draw, Aaron Luchuk scored to make it 3–2. Just 37 seconds later, Spencer Kersten struck again—tying the game and sending it to overtime.

Overtime

In overtime, Orlando won the faceoff and both teams battled hard for control. The Solar Bears generated two strong scoring chances, but it was South Carolina who sealed the deal 2:09 into the extra frame. Alexander Suzdalev buried a clean feed from Micah Miller into the top left corner, lifting the Stingrays to a 4–3 victory. Mitchell Gibson stopped 15 of 18 shots, while Jon Gillies turned aside 36 of 40.

Three Stars of the Game

First Star: Josh Wilkins – Hat trick
Second Star: Alexander Suzdalev – Overtime winner
Third Star: Justin Nachbaur – Two assists and strong offensive presence

Up Next

South Carolina holds a 2-0 series lead as the teams head to Orlando for Games 3 and 4. Game 5 is scheduled if needed, with Games 6 and 7 set to return to Charleston. Puck drops for Game 3 on Monday, April 21 at 7 PM EST.