Stingrays Swim Past Cyclones in OT, 3-2

CINCINNATI, Ohio – Defenseman Zach Jones netted his first professional goal at the 2:52 mark of overtime, giving the South Carolina Stingrays (25-18-1-1) a 3-2 victory over the Cincinnati Cyclones (19-17-6-2) at U.S. Bank Arena on Wednesday Night.

For the first time in the three-game series, South Carolina drew first blood when Jake Hauswirth wristed home his seventh goal of the season past Cyclones netminder Marc Cheverie (OTL, 20 saves, 13-8-3-2) for a 1-0 lead.  Despite outshooting the ‘Rays 12-6 in the opening period, the visiting team held the advantage heading into the first intermission.

The score remained the same until the 15:40 mark when Dustin Sproat tipped home a Brian O’Hanley point-shot for the game-tying goal.  Not even three minutes later, Adam Comrie potted his third lamp-lighter in as many games when his wrist shot from just inside the right circle beat Stingrays goalie Jared DeMichiel (OTW, 32 saves, 14-8-0) to give Cincinnati a 2-1 lead through 40 minutes.

In the third period, South Carolina rallied back as Dan Eves poked home the game-tying goal at the 13:54 mark to knot the score at two and send the game into overtime.  Just under three minutes into the extra session, Nikita Kashirsky broke into the Cincinnati zone and dished a pass across the ice to a streaking Zach Jones, who buried the game-winning goal to give the Stingrays a 3-2 victory.  It is the first time ever that South Carolina has won a game in Cincinnati during regular season play.

The Cyclones Radio Network Three Stars of the Game are as follows:
1.    Zach Jones (Game-winning goal for South Carolina)
2.    Adam Comrie (1 goal, 1 assist for Cincinnati)
3.    Grant McNeill (2 assists for South Carolina)

The defending Kelly Cup Champions will return to U.S. Bank Arena this Friday, February 4 when they welcome in the North Division-leading Wheeling Nailers at 7:30pm.  The first 2,000 fans ages 2-12 will receive a Brian O’Hanley Kids Jersey T-Shirt courtesy of Meijer.  Discounted ticket packages and single game tickets for the 2010-2011 season are available now.  For more information, call 513.421.PUCK (7825) or visit CyclonesHockey.com.

Click here for tonight’s box score.