UH-OH! THAT WASN'T SUPPOSE TO HAPPEN.

(This is a revision due to previous error with photo credits.  Our apologies to both fabulous photographers).

*Please note: while Barry's name remains at the bottom of this blog, he is on vacation and the information/views posted in his absence do not reflect Barry's views or the views of the Allen Americans organization.

Things did not go according to plan as the South Carolina Stingrays defeated the Allen Americans last night before a crowd of 3604.  A beautiful day in Texas turned into a dreary night when our opposition scored four goals to our one.

(photo courtesy of scenebyKimberly)

The first period would not see the puck cross the goal line for either team.  Although Allen outshot S.C. by 10-4, not one found the net behind Stingray's goalie, Jeff Jakaitis On the other end of the ice, Riley Gill stood tall protecting his net.

The first goal, scored by the Stingrays' Michal Cajkovsky assisted by Wayne Simpson and Andrew Rowe, came at the 9:02 mark breaking the 0-0 tie.  Perfectly screened, Gill would not see the biscuit approaching the net.   Again, Allen out shot the Stingrays 12-9, but nothing would get past Jakaitis.

Rowe would shoot the puck into the net 5:16 into the third period to increase the Stingray's lead to 2. Allen would eventually light the lamp a little over two minutes later when Chris Crane assisted by Aaron Gens and team Captain Jamie Schaafsma scored to put Allen on the board. The Stingrays would continue to spoil Allen's fans night by scoring two more goals.  One by Rowe assisted by Cajkovsky at 16:50 and the final was an empty netter from Simpson assisted by Derek DeBlois at 18:07.  This squashed any hopes the Americans would tie the game.

((photo courtesy of laurenlyssy.wix.com)

(photo courtesy of scenebyKimberly)

Allen travels 1,112 miles to North Charleston for games 4,5, and 6.  Allen will be the"home" team for game 6.  The puck will drop at 6:05 p.m. (Central time), for all 3 games.

Game observations:

• game a lot closer than score indicates
• both Greger Hanson and Gary Steffes had their streaks stopped, Hanson for points and Steffes for goals
• despite being outshot 40-28, the Stingrays prevailed
• neither team was able to capitalize on 4 PP opportunities
• their top line (Simpson, Rowe, and DeBlois) had 3 goals, 4 assists, and were +7 collectively
• Simpson set a single season Kelly Cup scoring record.  His 3 points last night gives him 36 total points breaking a record that has stood since 1955 (50 years)
• with the victory last night, the Stingrays continue their torrid road record - including OT losses, their record is 10-3, conversely their home record is 4-6

Coach Martinson's post game comments:

• did a lot of things better tonight but did not win
• thought we outplayed them
• lost our leading scorer for the rest of the game. knocked out his front team, 4 officials on the ice and none of them saw it 
• we were 4 on 4, had control of the puck but turned it over allowing a break-away
• can't turn the puck over when their good line is on the ice
• build on what we did good tonight
• had plenty of opportunities but did not score, it was frustrating
• we know we can outplay them
• Valcak will be back in, Hanson lost front teeth - getting stitched up, but he's a tough guy and will be ready to go
• have to get the next game, had a lot of positives tonight just did not score
• their #1 line is doing all the damage we have to figure that out

Did you know:  In 2003 the ECHL was the first professional hockey league in North America to mandate protective visors.