The South Carolina Stingrays swept their weekend series against the Orlando Solar Bears with a 3-0 shutout Saturday night at the North Charleston Coliseum. Garin Bjorklund recorded his first shutout of the season and the fifth shutout of his professional career, making a season-high 29 saves.
Playing in front of 5,065 fans, the Stingrays improved to 7-1-0 through eight games. The victory completed a 3-1-0 four-game homestand, matching their best start through eight games since 2019.
Garin Bjorklund Helps South Carolina Stingrays Control Special Teams
Tyler Weiss opened the scoring midway through the first period after his initial shot hit the crossbar. He quickly followed the play into the Orlando zone and scored on a wraparound past Orlando Solar Bears goaltender Ryan Bednard.
Josh Wilkins extended the Stingrays’ lead on a power play that continued into the second period. This goal gave South Carolina a power-play score in its second consecutive game.
The Orlando Solar Bears received four power-play opportunities in the second period, but the Stingrays killed all four chances. The teams combined for nine penalties in the middle frame, including six during a seven-minute stretch, as South Carolina carried a 2-0 lead into the third period.
South Carolina Stingrays Complete Weekend Sweep
Five minutes into the third period, Orlando generated a pair of quality shots on net, but Bjorklund turned both away. The Solar Bears pulled their goalie with just under three minutes remaining, but the Stingrays pressured the Orlando zone.
Luke Prokop scored the game-winning goal with 1:48 remaining in the third period, completing the 3-0 victory and securing the weekend sweep.
Upcoming Games
The Stingrays return to action Friday, Nov. 12, against the Florida Everblades at 7:30 p.m. at Hertz Arena in Estero, Florida. They then return to the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, Nov. 20, for Ray-Con Night against the Greensboro Gargoyles at 7:05 p.m.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Stingrays combined timely scoring with strong special-teams play to complete the weekend sweep. South Carolina scored a power-play goal and eliminated all four Orlando power-play opportunities.
Bjorklund’s 29-save performance provided the foundation for the shutout, while Weiss, Wilkins and Prokop scored for the Stingrays. South Carolina’s 7-1-0 start is its best through eight games since 2019.
Source: Original report
