Ben Kraws stopped 25 of 26 shots as the South Carolina Stingrays beat the Orlando Solar Bears 4-1 Friday night at North Charleston Coliseum. Kraws earned his fifth win in as many starts this season as South Carolina returned to the win column in front of 5,402 fans.
Jaylen Luypen recorded two assists, and four different Stingrays scored in the victory. Jérémie Biakabutuka added an assist for South Carolina and exchanged blows with Orlando’s Brennan Saulnier during the second period.
South Carolina Stingrays Take Early Lead
Tyler Kopff opened the scoring just over five minutes into the game by burying a rebound of Biakabutuka’s snap shot. The goal came after the Orlando Solar Bears killed off a South Carolina power play.
Orlando received a power play during the final three minutes of the opening period, but a shot rang off the post and the Solar Bears remained scoreless. South Carolina carried its 1-0 lead into the second period.
“We have to play hard, we have to be detailed,” Biakabutuka said. “That’s what we worked on this week, just having more grit to our game, and I think we did that.”
South Carolina Adds a Power-Play Goal
The teams played a physical game, and Biakabutuka exchanged blows with Saulnier along the South Carolina bench after a spearing attempt by Orlando with 4:27 remaining in the second period. The infraction resulted in a double minor penalty against the Solar Bears.
South Carolina converted on the ensuing man advantage when Zack Andrusiak scored on a wrist shot. The goal doubled the Stingrays’ lead to 2-0, which they carried into the final period.
“When you play with these guys, you have to be well positioned, and the puck will be on your stick,” Biakabutuka said. “I was not even expecting to have the pass from [Luypen], but he’s such a good player.”
Stingrays Seal 4-1 Victory
Two South Carolina penalties gave Orlando a 5-on-3 opportunity three minutes into the third period. As the first penalty expired, Aaron Luchuk scored on a rebound to cut the deficit to one goal.
South Carolina restored its two-goal advantage with 8:55 remaining when Alex Gaffney fed Cam Morrison in front for the score. Kraws later stopped a short-handed 2-on-1 chance by Orlando at the doorstep.
Scott Ratzlaff made a spectacular stop to deny a South Carolina chance before Orlando pulled its goaltender during the final two minutes. Ludwig Persson then scored an empty-net goal to seal the 4-1 victory.
“I’m not a big fighter,” Biakabutuka said. “It’s only my second pro fight. But when you touch one of our skill guys like that, you have to step up, and it got the boys fired up.”
Orlando Solar Bears Return Saturday
The South Carolina Stingrays are scheduled to host the Orlando Solar Bears at North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, November 7, at 6:05 p.m. The game is K-Pop Night, presented by Coastal Kids Dental & Braces.
South Carolina also said its 2026-27 season ticket plans and group tickets are on sale. Additional information is available through the South Carolina Stingrays.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
South Carolina received contributions throughout its lineup, while Kraws provided a steady performance in net. His 25 saves helped the Stingrays protect their lead after Luchuk’s third-period goal brought Orlando within one.
Morrison’s goal restored South Carolina’s cushion, and Persson’s empty-net finish completed the 4-1 victory.
Source: Original report
