A RARE LOSS 

VERSUS    

GREENVILLE, SC – The Greenville Road Warriors could not overcome a stingy South Carolina defensive effort on Friday night and fell by a score of 2-0. The loss dropped the Road Warriors’ record to 22-7-2 on the season.

In a first period where scoring chances were hard to come by the Stingrays were the ones to take advantage and grab the early lead. At the 6:22 mark of the first Nate Kiser took a slap shot from the far point that eluded traffic in front of Dov Grumet-Morris and found the back of the net. The goal was Kiser’s first of the season with assists going to Trent Campbell and David de Kastrozza. Jared DeMichiel started in goal for South Carolina and made his first appearance against the Road Warriors since October 30. The Road Warriors were able to test him three times, but the rookie netminder made his team’s lead stand up.

The Road Warriors were limited to four shots through the first half of the second period and looked to be having a hard time generating chances again. But with a couple of power play opportunities late in the second the Road Warriors offense came to life. Greenville launched seven shots on goal between the two man-advantage opportunities, but DeMichiel turned the Road Warriors aside at each opportunity. It appeared as if Greenville would head into the third still well within striking distance at a one-goal deficit, but a late giveaway changed that. Blake Parlett, under heavy pressure from Pierre-Luc O’Brien could not clear the Road Warriors’ end and O’Brien slid a backhander past Grumet-Morris with 19 seconds remaining in the frame.

Despite their best efforts, the Road Warriors could not muster a dramatic third period comeback like they did against South Carolina on Wednesday night. The Stingrays went into full defensive mode and limited Greenville to five shots in the final frame. The best opportunity came when Chris Chappel deflected a pass at center to a streaking Mark Voakes who took off on a breakaway. Voakes tried a wrist shot low to the blocker side of Jared DeMichiel but the rookie goaltender turned it aside with a left pad save. Chris McKelvie nearly had a breakaway of his own a few minutes later, but that chance was wiped out by a hand pass. South Carolina’s Patrick Cullity took a hooking minor with 2:04 to play and the Road Warriors pulled Grumet-Morris for a 6-on-4 skater advantage. The gamble didn’t produce a goal, though, and the Stingrays kept the shutout intact.

Grumet-Morris turned in 26 saves in suffering just his fourth regulation loss of the season. Greenville went 0-for-4 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return to home ice to take on the Wheeling Nailers on Sunday, January 2 and 4:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. There will be a post-game skate for fans immediately following the game. You can come skate with your favorite Road Warriors for free by presenting your game ticket. If you don’t have skates you can rent a pair from the BI-LO Center for $3. There is group seating still available for you and your group of 10 or more. Call 864-674-PUCK to book your group outing and save off the box office price, receive preferred seating based on availability, and enjoy other great benefits.