NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays celebrated a 5-1 win against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Friday night, delighting more than 4,000 fans during their first-ever Vinyl Night. Scoring for the Stingrays were Jordan Klimek, who netted two goals, along with Alexander Suzdalev, Josh Wilkins, and Tyler Weiss. Meanwhile, goalie Garin Bjorklund was solidly in the zone, making 25 saves on 26 shots.
The Rays got the scoring started just 13 minutes and 35 seconds into the game. Zac Funk carried the puck before connecting with Klimek, who moving towards the net. Klimek fired a shot that sailed over the shoulder of Swamp Rabbits’ goalie Jacob Ingham, marking his first goal of the season. Assists were credited to Funk and Ryan Hofer.
Klimek found the back of the net once more with just 1:14 remaining in the first period. Wilkins had a clear chance that was initially shut down by Ingham, but he managed to regain possession for South Carolina. With Klimek open in a prime position, Wilkins passed the puck and the defenseman fired off a shot for his second goal of the night. Wilkins and Suzdalev were credited with the assists.
The Swamp Rabbits narrowed the deficit to one goal with 12:40 remaining in the second period. Tate Singleton made a solo drive into the zone and successfully scored against Bjorklund, bringing the score to 2-1. South Carolina restored their two-goal advantage 14:29 into the second period. Wilkins delivered a pass during the rush to Kyler Kupka, whose shot struck the post before rebounding into the slot. Suzdalev was positioned to capitalize on the rebound, marking his ninth goal of the season. Assists were credited to Kupka and Wilkins.
South Carolina established their first three-goal advantage less than two minutes into the third period. A series of passes during the power play involving Kupka, Suzdalev, and Wilkins enabled Wilkins to execute a wide-open one-timer, marking his 16th goal of the season and his third goal in as many games. Assists were credited to Kupka and Suzdalev.
The Stingrays further increased their lead to four goals at 9:27 in the third period. Following a turnover by Greenville, Weiss protected the puck while skating to the outside and executed a shot, resulting in his 13th goal of the season.
Check out this photo gallery from Inside The Rink’s Julie Taylor for highlights from the game.
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