By MIKE BONTS
JACKSONVILLE (Florida Sports Wire) – The Jacksonville Icemen (22-13-1) opened a home and home series against the South Carolina Stingrays (22-7-3-1) with 6-3 loss Friday night at Veterans Memorial Arena.
South Carolina’s was perfect on the power play, going 4 of 4, including their last two goals by Jonny Evans (5) and Ryan Scarfo (4).
Jacksonville captain Christopher Brown made it 4-3 on his 12th goal of the season and second of the game four minutes into the third period.
The Stingrays led 4-2 going into the final frame.
Playing shorthanded, Brown shaved the lead to one. But as they seem to do all game, the visitors scored 25 seconds later on a Josh Wilkins (11) power play goal.
Jacob Panetta (6) got the Icemen on the board in the second period. The Stingrays immediately responded halfway through the period when Martin Has’ (2) made it 3-1.
It took just 22 seconds for the Stingrays to score. Carter Turnbull beat Olof Lindbom with his ECHL leading 21st goal of the season.
South Carolina added to their lead at the 11:55 mark of the second period on a power play goal by Alex Fortin (9).
Former Icemen netminder Tyler Wall started for South Carolina. He made 24 saves. Lindbom stopped 24 shots.
The clubs meet again Sunday in Charleston.
(SportsDay photo by Nancy DeLander Beecher/Florida Sports Wire)
