JACKSONVILLE, FL. (WCIV) — South Carolina snatched a 3-2 overtime win against the Icemen in Jacksonville Saturday night.
Jacksonville opened the scoring early in the first period through Craig Martin, but the Stingrays were able to level the score at 1-1 when Jordan Klimek scored from the point with just under six minutes left in the frame.
The Stingrays briefly took the lead in the second when Zac Funk buried a loose puck, but the Icemen responded seconds later with Ryan Pitoscia scoring to tie it at 2-2 heading into the third period.
South Carolina was on the back foot for much of the last period of regulation due to penalties, but the penalty kill held strong to force overtime still knotted at 2-2.
Charlie Combs was called for hooking in OT, putting the Stingrays’ penalty kill unit on the ice once again. As Jacksonville pushed for a winner, Seth Eisele held strong in net for South Carolina and stopped two point blank chances to keep the Rays alive.
Right after the penalty expired, Rays forward Josh Wilkins forced a turnover and powered home the winner. The win marks South Carolina’s seventh in overtime this season, and Eisele’s seventh win in his last eight appearances in goal.
The Stingrays next game is Sunday, March 1 at home against the Savannah Ghost Pirates.