BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

With two weeks left in the regular season the Road Warriors have locked up a playoff berth. With five games remaining they are still very much in the hunt for the top seed in the Eastern Conference.

Record: 40-22-5, 85 pts., 2nd place South Division

Leaders:

Goals – Brandon Wong: 28
Assists – Justin Bowers: 58
Points – Justin Bowers: 76
+/- – Brandon Wong: +19
PIMs – T.J. Reynolds: 183
PPG – #Marc-Olivier Vallerand/#Jeff Prough/Brett Robinson: 9/8
SHG – Brandon Wong: 2
Wins – Jason Missiaen: 22
GAA – Jason Missiaen: 2.75
SVP – Jason Missiaen: .915

# = Not on current roster

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

3/23 & 3/24 vs. Gwinnett – 7:05 p.m. & 7:35 p.m., Home vs. GWT 6-1-0, Away vs. GWT 1-5-2

• The Battle of I-85 will hit the end of the road this weekend in Greenville with the Road Warriors hosting the Gladiators for the final two games of the season. The pendulum of momentum in the season series has swung Gwinnett’s way with the Gladiators winning each of the last three games. Greenville, however, has history on its side when the series comes to the BI-LO Center. The Road Warriors have out-scored Gwinnett 26-16 in winning six of the seven games in Greenville between the clubs. Including last season, the Road Warriors are 12-4-0 at home against Gwinnett. Greenville enters play this week two points behind Gwinnett for first place in the Eastern Conference. Each of the last three times the teams have met first place in the East has been on the line.

Day-by-Day Schedule:

3/19/12– Off

• “Between the Pipes” radio show at Ford’s Oyster House and Cajun Kitchen, 7:00 p.m.
• Road Warriors players and Rowdy at Fried Green Tomatoes (Woods Crossing Rd.), 5:30-7:00 p.m.

3/20/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/21/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/22/12 – * Practice at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

3/23/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

                  Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m.

3/24/12 – * Pre-game skate at BI-LO Center, 10:00 a.m.

                  Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m.

3/25/12 – Off

• Denotes an appearance/event that is not open to the general public.
• The Road Warriors’ schedule is subject to change.
• It is recommended to contact the Road Warriors to confirm times of certain events, particularly practices.

Road Warriors Broadcast Information

• All Greenville Road Warriors games are broadcast live online courtesy of America One. You can listen to every game free by clicking on the “Listen Live” link located on the Road Warriors’ home page – Greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors Pre-Game Show kicks off every broadcast 15 minutes prior to faceoff.

Recapping Last Week:

3/16 at South Carolina: SOW 3-2

Box Score

• Greenville made its penultimate visit to North Charleston this season a memorable one with the Road Warriors forging a late tie and winning a marathon shootout by a goal. Billy Ryan scored a pair of goals in the game for the Stingrays which gave them one-goal leads in the second and third periods. The third-period lead came with just 2:35 remaining in the game. Just 61 seconds after that goal, though, Kale Kerbashian completed a coast-to-coast dash to net the tying goal. Tim Coffman had the other tally for Greenville late in the second period to tie the game at one. After a scoreless overtime it was Jason Missiaen and Billy Sauer turning in masterful performances in the shootout. Trent Campbell and Justin Bowers each scored in the first round but the netminders each stopped the next seven shooters a side. Finally, in the bottom of the ninth, Greenville rookie Francis Meilleur beat Sauer for the game winner. It was Meilleur’s first shootout attempt of the season.

3/17 at Gwinnett: L 3-4

Box Score

• Greenville nearly snapped its losing streak in Gwinnett in its final visit of the season but fell one goal short. First period markers by Brandon Wong and Kale Kerbashian had the Road Warriors ahead 2-0 headed into the second. Momentum swung in Gwinnett’s favor in a big way as the Gladiators started their rally with a power play goal 45 seconds into the session. Three more goals followed as the Gladiators built up a 4-2 lead. Greenville’s Lee Baldwin trimmed the deficit to one when he tipped home a Justin Bowers centering pass with 35 seconds remaining in the stanza. Despite an 11-7 shot advantage in the third period Greenville could not squeeze a shot past Marc Cheverie to tie the score. Nic Riopel turned in 22 saves but suffered his second straight loss since returning from injury.

3/18 vs. Cincinnati: W 5-1

Box Score

• With some help from other teams losing the previous night, Greenville began its five-game home stand with a chance to clinch a Kelly Cup playoff berth with a win over Cincinnati. The Road Warriors’ five-goal assault was led by Brandon Wong who scored his second career hat trick and added an assist for four points. Wong nearly doubled Greenville’s season total for shorthanded goals by scoring a pair of shorties in the third period to complete the hat trick. Cincinnati, which was battling to shore up its eighth seed for the playoffs, launched 47 shots Jason Missiaen’s way, but the rookie goalie stood tall and compiled a career-best 46 saves in earning his 22nd win of the season.

Quick Hits:

• With five points (4G, 1A) in three games last week, Brandon Wong was nominated for ECHL Player of the Week honors. He leads the Road Warriors with 28 goals and a +19 rating. Also, Jason Missiaen was nominated for ECHL Goalie of the Week after going 2-0-0 with 1.44 goals-against average and a .961 save percentage. He has won goalie of the week twice already this season.
• Road Warriors captain T.J. Reynolds leads team defensemen in +/- at +13. He has been even or better in each of Greenville’s nine games in March. His +2 on Sunday’s win over Cincinnati tied his season high for the ninth time.
• With Sunday’s win, goalie Jason Missiaen has crafted his fourth four-game winning streak of the season. He has not allowed more than two goals in any of the four games over the streak, and has held opponents to under three goals in nine of his last 11 starts overall. He is 6-1-0 in the month of March with a 1.80 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage.
• Greenville has a magic number of six to clinch the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. The maximum points fifth place Wheeling can earn is 90 so by subtracting Greenville’s 85 points and adding one you get Greenville’s magic number. Greenville’s magic number is reduced any time Wheeling loses in regulation and the Road Warriors win or lose in overtime/shootout, or when Wheeling loses in overtime/shootout and Greenville wins in regulation.
• Greenville has only South Division teams remaining on its schedule with two games against Gwinnett and three against South Carolina. Four of the five games are at the BI-LO Center where the Road Warriors have a 16-3-1 against South Division foes this season and a 32-10-2 mark in their history.

Upcoming Events:

• Friday, March 23: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:35 p.m. – Spinx Family Four-Pack. Round up the family and save on a night at the game with the Spinx Family Four-Pack. With it you get four tickets, four hot dogs, four fountain drinks, and four bags of chips for just $48. You can also show your BI-LO BONUSCARD at the ticket office window starting two hours prior to faceoff to receive up to four free tickets, while supplies last, in the BI-LO Family Fun Section.
• Saturday, March 24: Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett, 7:05 p.m. – Pucks and Paws presented by Cleveland Park Animal Hospital and Upstate Veterinary Specialists. The BI-LO Center will be going to the dogs on March 24! Fans can bring their dogs with them to the game to enjoy the Dog Fun Zone, take part in the cutest dog contest, and more. Also, call in advance to enter your dog in the small dog derby that will take place at intermission.
• Early April: Kelly Cup Playoffs! The Road Warriors have qualified for the playoffs for the second straight season and playoff packages are on sale right now. There are options to pay as you go and playoff packages start at $8.50 per seat per game. Call 864-674-PUCK for information on playoff tickets.

The post ROAD WARRIORS WEEKLY RELEASE: 3/19-3/26/12 first appeared on Howlings.

      VERSUS     

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors suffered a 4-3 setback to the Gwinnett Gladiators on Sunday evening. Greenville earned a standings point for making to overtime, but lost 2-0 in the shootout. The loss dipped Greenville’s record to 38-21-5.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

The Road Warriors were playing their third game in as many days on Sunday afternoon and weren’t able to start the game as quickly as they had the two previous nights in North Charleston. Gwinnett grabbed a 1-0 lead on a power play goal 5:54 in from Jonathan Parker. The goal was set up by a point shot from Tyler Kindle that bounced off of T.J. Reynolds and out of the reach of Nic Riopel who made his first start since January 28. Riopel knocked down the rest of the shots he saw in the frame and the Road Warriors’ offense woke up for a pair of goals. Bretton Cameron jammed home a power play goal at 10:15 to tie then Brett Robinson broke it at 11:57 with a breakaway goal set up by Justin Bowers.

Early in the second period Greenville was dealt a setback when Jyri Niemi was whistled for a major penalty for boarding 44 seconds in. Gwinnett’s captain Paul Flache pushed a backhand shot past Riopel one minute into the power play to knot the score at two. The Road Warriors shut down Gwinnett’s power play from there, but moments after Niemi exited the box Gwinnett defenseman Tyler Kindle threw a puck across the slot that banked off of Lee Baldwin and in to put Gwinnett ahead 3-2. The Road Warriors did not wilt when faced with the deficit and Chris McKelvie set up Sean Berkstresser’s 10th goal of the season to tie the score 2:15 after Kindle’s goal.

The third period was a defensive struggle with both clubs finding scoring chances hard to come by. The Gladiators thought they had netted the go-ahead goal early in the stanza when Will Colbert slapped a shot past Riopel right after a faceoff win. The goal was waved off, though, because the Gladiators were ruled to have encroached on the faceoff. Greenville did end up with a nine to five shot advantage in the stanza but could not put one past Marc Chevrie. So with the score knotted at three it went to overtime for the second straight game.

Greenville had a healthy four to one shot advantage in the sudden death session but, again, Chevrie denied all attempts. Riopel also stopped the one shot he faced so it was back to the shootout. This time around the Road Warriors could not hit pay dirt while Nikita Kashirsky and Justin Milo scored for Gwinnett.

Riopel stopped 24 shots in taking the loss. The Road Warriors were 1-for-3 on the power play and 0-for-2 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return to the BI-LO Center for their next home game on Sunday, March 18 at 4:05 p.m. against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Join the Road Warriors for Family Fun Day. Any child 12 years old or younger can get a seat anywhere in the building for just $5! Following the game come down to the ice for a post-game skate with the Road Warriors players, it’s free to anyone who has a ticket to the game. Skates are also available to rent. There are discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability for any group of 10 or more that books in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to book your group outing. Visit Greenvilleroadwarriors.com for more information.

The post ONE STEP CLOSER first appeared on Howlings.

By: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

Today the Greenville Road Warriors wrap up a three-in-three weekend by paying a visit to the Gwinnett Gladiators. It will be the second time this week that Greenville and Gwinnett meet with first place in the Eastern Conference on the line.

The Road Warriors (38-21-4, 80 pts.) visit Gwinnett (35-17-11, 81 pts.) today for the 14th of 17 meetings between the clubs this season. Fans can follow the action by watching America One or listening at Greenvilleroadwarriors.com. Greenville is looking to take down Gwinnett tonight and snap a four-game losing streak (0-3-1) at the Arena at Gwinnett Center. The last time Greenville won here was a 4-2 triumph on October 22, 2011. Including their inaugural season, the Road Warriors are 5-8-1 in Gwinnett.

The Gladiators have won each of their last four home games by a combined 17-11 score.

Who: Greenville Road Warriors at Gwinnett Gladiators
What: Away Game #33, Season Game #64
When: 4:05 p.m.
Where: The Arena at Gwinnett Center, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth, GA 30097

NOTEWORTHY:

• The Road Warriors are averaging three goals per game since leading scorer Marc-Olivier Vallerand was called up to Rockford of the AHL. In two of the five games they’ve scored fewer than three.
• Greenville holds the league’s best road power play at 26.3 percent. It is 9-for-31 (29%) in its last seven road games. Road Warriors are 5-for-27 (18.5%) at Gwinnett this season.
• The Road Warriors’ magic number to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoffs berth is 6. Any combination of the 9th place team losing standings points and the Road Warriors gaining points will shrink the number.
• Brett Robinson‘s assist last night broke an eight-game point drought. He had six points (4G, 2A) in six games prior.
• With the win last night, Jason Missiaen became the seventh goalie in the ECHL to crack the 20-win plateau. He needs five more wins to set a new team record.

Click here for Game Notes Page 1
Click here for Game Notes Page 2
Click here for Road Warriors player info
Click here for Gladiators player info

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return to the BI-LO Center for their next home game on Sunday, March 18 at 4:05 p.m. against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Join the Road Warriors for Family Fun Day. Any child 12 years old or younger can get a seat anywhere in the building for just $5! Following the game come down to the ice for a post-game skate with the Road Warriors players, it’s free to anyone who has a ticket to the game. Skates are also available to rent. There are discounted tickets and preferred seating based on availability for any group of 10 or more that books in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to book your group outing. Visit Greenvilleroadwarriors.com for more information.

The post FIRST PLACE ON THE LINE IN GWINNETT first appeared on Howlings.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

Tonight the Greenville Road Warriors tangle with the Cincinnati Cyclones in the finale of their five-game northern road trip. A win would lift Greenville past idle Gwinnett into first place in the South Division.

The Road Warriors (33-20-4, 70 pts.) visit Cincinnati (26-20-8, 60 pts.) today for the fourth of five meetings between the clubs. Fans can follow the action by watching live on America One or listening at Greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors are 1-2-0 against the Cyclones this season and 3-3-1 all-time in their history against Cincinnati. Greenville’s last win against Cincinnati was on November 29, 2011; a 4-3 shootout win at US Bank Arena. The win was head coach Dean Stork’s first as a head coach in the building where he won two Kelly Cup titles as an assistant with the Cyclones.

Greenville is finishing its final northern road trip of the season tonight. The Road Warriors are 2-2-0 on the current trip, and for the season they are 8-6-0 when they visit North or Atlantic Division teams. They are facing a Cyclones team tonight that second best home win percentage (.741) in the Eastern Conference, but is 3-3-0 in its last six on home ice.

Who: Greenville Road Warriors at Cincinnati Cyclones
What: Away Game #30, Season Game #58
When: 7:35 p.m.
Where: US Bank Arena, 100 Broadway, Cincinnati, OH 45202

NOTEWORTHY:

• Sean Berkstresser has more than doubled his goal output over the last seven games. His five goals over that stretch are two better than the three he scored in the first 50.
• Greenville has scored 46 goals in 13 games in February (3.5/game). The Road Warriors’ top-ranked power play has accounted for 37 percent (17G) of that production.
• The Road Warriors’ magic number to clinch a Kelly Cup Playoffs berth is 23. Any combination of the Chicago Express losing standings points and the Road Warriors gaining points will shrink the number.
• Brett Robinson has scored a goal in each of his three games this season at US Bank Arena.
• Brandon Wong leads the Road Warriors in points for the month of February with 18 (8G, 10A). It has been the most productive month of his pro career. His previous best was 11 in Jan. 2011.

Click here for Game Notes Page 1
Click here for Game Notes Page 2
Click here for Road Warriors player info
Click here for Cyclones player info

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home on Friday, March 2, 2012 to take on the South Carolina Stingrays at 7:35. Join the Road Warriors for their second-annual Pink in the Rink presented by Greenville Hospital System to benefit the Mary Kay Foundation. The Road Warriors will be wearing pink-themed jerseys, skating on pink ice, and doing much more to raise money and awareness in the fight against breast cancer. Book your group of 10 or more in advance to get discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to book your group outing. Also, please note that the Road Warriors game scheduled for March 1 has been moved to Saturday, March 3 at 7:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Visit Greenvilleroadwarriors.com for more information.

The post STRANGE WINDS A’BLOWIN’ IN CINCY first appeared on Howlings.

     VERSUS      

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors scored five unanswered goals to take down the division-leading Gwinnett Gladiators by a 6-3 score on Tuesday night at the BI-LO Center. The win improved Greenville’s record to 30-18-3 on the season.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

The first period began with some physical fireworks quickly followed by offensive fireworks. Just six seconds into the game, Gwinnett’s Tyler Murovich instigated a fight with Brandon Wong and simultaneously T.J. Reynolds dropped the mitts with Ryley Grantham. The Road Warriors were awarded the power play, but could not convert and the game remained scoreless until Justin Milo gave Gwinnett the 1-0 lead at the 4:20 mark. That lead was short lived as Sean Berkstresser tied it for Greenville a minute and nine seconds later. Gwinnett broke the tie with Bryan Brutlag finishing off an 2-on-1 with 5:22 remaining in the stanza. The goalies were busy in the frame as Gwinnett’s Joe Palmer faced eight shots and Greenville’s Jason Missiaen saw nine.

Greenville was able to exorcise some of its second period demons from earlier this season by tallying twice in the middle frame to swipe the lead away from Gwinnett. Persistence in front of the net led to the Road Warriors’ first goal of the frame with Marc-Olivier Vallerand swatting a rebound through the legs of Palmer. The goal came just 3:38 into the period and was Vallerand’s team-leading 25th of the season. The teams remained deadlocked for much of the rest of the period until Brandon Wong banked a shot off of Palmer from behind the net, with Greenville on the power play, at the 19:08 mark. Brendan Connolly had a pair of assists in the frame to extend his point streak to a team-record 13 games while Missiaen turned in 17 saves in the period.

The Road Warriors kept the momentum rolling in the third period with three goals that allowed them to coast to the win down the home stretch. Brett Robinson provided the quick strike to begin the onslaught as he struck for a breakaway goal 3:28 into the stanza. Justin Bowers picked up the primary assist by connecting with Robinson on a pretty stretch pass. After a stretch of back-and-forth action, Jyri Niemi scored his second goal in as many games with a blast from the point with Greenville on the power play. His fifth of the season gave Greenville a 5-2 lead with just under four minutes to play. Vallerand potted his second goal of the night by hitting an empty net with a minute and 15 seconds to play to cap Greenville’s scoring. Tyler Murovich pull Gwinnett within three 14 seconds after Vallerand’s goal, but the Gladiators could pull no closer.

Missiaen stopped 32 shots in earning his 12th win of the season. The Road Warriors were 2-for-6 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home on Friday, February 17, 2012 to take on the Toledo Walleye. Friday is Road Warriors For Your Cause and $2 from every ticket sold to a group of 10 or more will be donated back to that group’s charity of choice. Any group of 10 or more gets discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to book your group outing with the Road Warriors. Fridays also feature the Spinx Family Four-Pack where you can get four tickets, hot dogs, bags of chips, and fountain drinks for $48. Also, please note that the Road Warriors game scheduled for March 1 has been moved to Saturday, March 3 at 7:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Visit Greenvilleroadwarriors.com for more information.

The post WARRIORS SHOW NO LOVE TO GLADIATORS first appeared on Howlings.

     VERSUS     

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

In front of a season-high 6,158 fans the Greenville Road Warriors bounced back from an earlier loss to the Kalamazoo Wings this week with a 5-2 win on Saturday night at the BI-LO Center. The win improved Greenville to 28-18-3 on the season.

Click here for tonight’s box score

If the Road Warriors had revenge on their mind after being out-scored 5-2 in the second period of a 7-2 loss to Kalamazoo, they let it show in the first period on Saturday. Five goals by the Road Warriors, including one on the power play, had them up by three after 20 minutes of play. The scoring started early with Lee Baldwin netting his fifth of the season 1:58 into the game. He added assists on Brett Robinson‘s power play goal at 14:39 and Brendan Connolly‘s score at 18:23 to give him three points in a game for the second time this week. He also had three assists in Tuesday’s win at South Carolina. Robinson’s strike capped off a stretch of 6:02 of play in which the Road Warriors poured in three goals. Brandon Wong started the onslaught at 8:37 with his 14th of the season and was followed by Jeff Caister netting his second at 10:03. Jason Missiaen, who made his fifth straight start had 16 saves in the period.

The first two periods were as different as night and day as Greenville and Kalamazoo battled to a scoreless draw in the second. The Wings began the period on a power play but generated just two shots on goal, and also went without a goal on a power play midway through the frame. The Road Warriors were also afforded a power play chance in the second, but could not send a shot past goalie Maxime Clermont.

The third period featured no scoring and that suited the Road Warriors just fine. Greenville actually out-shot the Wings 15-9 in the stanza even though it was Kalamazoo trying to make up the three-goal deficit. The Road Warriors had a chance to extend the lead early when Sam Ftorek picked up an interference minor. Clermont and the rest of the Wings slammed the door, though, then went on a power play of their own a minute later. This time it was Missiaen and the Road Warriors killers shining and not allowing the Wings to generate any momentum.

Missiaen earned his tenth win of the season with 38 saves. The Road Warriors were 1-for-4 on the power play and 3-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home on Sunday, February 12, 2012 to take on the Chicago Express. Sunday is a Family Fun Day featuring a post-game skate with the team, $5 tickets for kids 12 and under, and the Spinx Family Four-Pack (four tickets and food for $48). Any group of 10 or more can also get a discount off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability by booking in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) to book your group outing with the Road Warriors. Also, please note that the Road Warriors game scheduled for March 1 has been moved to Saturday, March 3 at 7:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Visit Greenvilleroadwarriors.com for more information.

The post BI-LO SPECIAL: WARRIOR BARBECUED WINGS first appeared on Howlings.

VERSUS     

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors used three power play goals to pick up their second win of the season at the North Charleston Coliseum by a 4-1 score on Tuesday night. The win improved Greenville to 27-17-3 on the season and second place in the South Division.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

In seven of eight prior meetings between the Road Warriors and Stingrays this season South Carolina had held Greenville without a power play goal. The Road Warriors quickly put any chance of that happening in Tuesday’s game to rest by scoring a pair of first period power play goals. Brett Robinson tipped in a Lee Baldwin point shot 3:44 into the game to spot Greenville a 1-0 lead. Then with 1:32 left in the frame another point shot by Baldwin deflected off of ‘Rays goalie Billy Sauer to an open Jeremy Gouchie who chipped in his first power play goal of the season. Jason Missiaen made 13 saves in the period, including two breakaways by Pierre-Luc O’Brien, to ensure the advantage after 20 minutes of play.

In a penalty-filled second period it was Greenville’s power play coming through again to stretch the lead to 3-0. But before they could extend the lead, the Road Warriors had to get some exceptional work from Missiaen to help kill off a 21-second 5-on-3 Stingrays power play. Once they got the manpower advantage, it was same song, third verse as a Baldwin point shot created a rebound chance that Jeff Prough pounced on and sent past Sauer. The goal tied Prough with Marc-Olivier Vallerand for the team lead with nine power play goals. South Carolina responded with an even strength goal by Matt Scherer with 4:52 to play.

The third period was Greenville’s time to shine defensively as the Road Warriors limited the Stingrays to just seven shots on goal. South Carolina’s best chance to start a comeback came when Jeff Prough took a kneeing minor 51 seconds into the period. One shot was all South Carolina could manage on the advantage and it was one of Missiaen’s seven saves in the stanza. Greenville only launched six shots of its own in the frame, and one was an empty-net goal by Brandon Wong with 1:26 to play to seal the victory.

Missiaen stopped 36 shots in earning his ninth win of the season. The Road Warriors were 3-for-5 on the power play and 7-for-7 on the penalty kill.

The post WARRIORS DICE UP STINGRAYS first appeared on Howlings.

     VERSUS          

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

The Greenville Road Warriors erased a three-goal third period deficit to claim a 4-3 shootout victory over the Florida Everblades at Germain Arena on Thursday night. The win improved Greenville to 25-16-2 on the season.

Click here for tonight’s box score.

In the opening frame the Road Warriors generated a number of good scoring chances and out-shot Florida 12-8 but was unable to find the back of the net. Brandon Wong hit the pipe with a deflection of Wes Cunningham‘s point shot, but it hit the post and bounced through the crease behind goalie Pat Nagle. A bit later, Brett Robinson swatted a loose puck on the right side of the net out of mid-air and right across the open goal mouth. That shot could have tied the game because Florida grabbed the 1-0 lead on a 2-on-1 goal by Brayden Irwin. Jason Missiaen made seven stops in the period for the Road Warriors.

The second period belonged to the Everblades, as well, as they took advantage of a pair of Greenville turnovers to widen their lead to three. The first came at 14:10 when Deron Cousens sprung Scott Pitt on a breakaway after stealing a Greenville head-man pass. Pitt’s wrist shot snuck past Missiaen on the blocker side to double Florida’s lead. The Everblades’ second of the frame came with 14 seconds left on the clock after a breakout pass missed Jeremy Gouchie in the middle of the zone. Matt Beca took a pass low on the left wing and one-timed it past Missiaen. Greenville managed 10 shots in the period, but none got behind Nagle.

The Road Warriors only won one of the three periods in regulation, but they won the third period in a big way and gave themselves a chance to pick up the win. The comeback began in earnest when Marc-Olivier Vallerand scored a power play goal at 4:22. Justin Bowers continued his torrid month with his 23rd point in January with the lone assist. Bowers then set up Brett Robinson’s 15th of the campaign at 11:07 as the Road Warriors drew within one. They never let up the pressure, but time started to work against them late in the frame. So with just over a minute to go Missiaen was pulled for the extra attacker and it was Vallerand who found the back of the net for the tying goal with 38 seconds to play. That goal forced overtime, but the Road Warriors were far from out of the woods.

At the end of regulation Greenville was whistled for a too many men on the ice minor and began overtime shorthanded. They were able to kill off the ‘Blades power play but once back at 4-on-4 they couldn’t find the winning goal despite a handful of shots. It took a shootout to decide the winner and the Road Warriors had a brick wall on their side. Missiaen stopped all four Florida shooters while Brandon Wong and Vallerand notched goals for Greenville to win the breakaway contest.

Missiaen stopped 26 shots in his eighth win of the season. Greenville was 2-for-2 on the penalty kill and 1-for-3 on the power play.

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors return home on Thursday, February 9, 2012 to take on the Kalamazoo Wings. Join us for a Throwback Thursday presented by WSSL 100.5, The Greenville News and New Rock 93.3. Throwback Thursday feature select draft beers, fountain drinks, hot dogs, and pretzels for just $2, and college students can get in for just $6 with a valid ID. Your group of 10 or more can also get a discount off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability by booking in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK to book your group outing with the Road Warriors.

The post EVERBLADES DULLED BY ROAD WARRIORS first appeared on Howlings.

By: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

GREENVILLE, SC – After three straight road games the Road Warriors return to the comforts of home at the BI-LO Center tonight to take on the division-leading Gwinnett Gladiators. Greenville has won three of its last four at home.

The Road Warriors (21-16-2, 44 pts.) host Gwinnett (20-11-9, 49 pts.) today for the eighth of 17 scheduled meetings between the clubs. Fans can follow the action by watching live on America One or listening at greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors are 4-3-0 this season against the Gladiators and 14-10-0 overall in their history against Gwinnett. Today the Road Warriors take on the division-leading Gladiators for the fifth time in their last six games. The Road Warriors and Gladiators split the first four games of that span with each team winning a pair of home games. Greenville is 3-0-0 overall at home against Gwinnett this season and has not lost to the Gladiators at the BI-LO Center since January 14, 2011.

Who: Greenville Road Warriors vs. Gwinnett Gladiators
What: Home Game #21, Season Game #40
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: BI-LO Center, 650 N. Academy St., Greenville, SC 29601

NOTEWORTHY:

Marc-Olivier Vallerand has scored 14 goals in 20 games since Dec. 2, 2011. He is Greenville’s all-time leader with 48 goals scored and is second in games played with 107.

Greenville’s 240 minor penalties are the third most in the ECHL behind only Bakersfield (250) and Utah (242).

Justin Bowers leads the ECHL in power play assists (17) and is second power play points (19). His assist on Brett Robinson‘s power play goal on Jan. 14 was his 100th ECHL assist.

Greenville is 46-for-52 on the penalty kill (88%) in its last 11 games. The Road Warriors have held opponents without a PPG in six of those games.
Nic Riopel is 0-2-1 in his last three starts and has dropped three consecutive decisions for the first time in his career. He has never lost three in a row in regulation.

Click here for Game Notes Page 1
Click here for Game Notes Page 2
Click here for Road Warriors player info
Click here for Gladiators player info

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors face off against the Gwinnett Gladiators on Sunday, January 22 at 4:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Come out for Family Fun Day with the Road Warriors. The Road Warriors will debut their green third jerseys, local country recording artist Kylie Hinze will be performing on the concourse, there will be a post-game skate with the Road Warriors, fans can get tickets in the BI-LO Family Fun Section, and all kids 12 and under can get tickets for just $5. Your group of 10 or more can also get a discount off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability by booking in advance. Call 864-674-PUCK to book your group outing with the Road Warriors.

The post FIFTH TIME IN SIX GAMES AGAINST THE GLADIATORS TONIGHT first appeared on Howlings.

BY: Ray Schmitt, Voice of the Greenville Road Warriors

Tonight the Greenville Road Warriors visit the North Charleston Coliseum to battle the South Carolina Stingrays. The Road Warriors and Stingrays renew the Battle of the Palmetto State at 7:05 p.m. as the Road Warriors begin a three-in-three weekend.

The Road Warriors (21-15-2, 44 pts.) visit South Carolina (21-16-2, 44 pts.) today for the eighth of 16 scheduled meetings between the clubs. Fans can follow the action by watching live on America One  or listening at greenvilleroadwarriors.com. The Road Warriors are 6-1-0 this season against the Stingrays and 15-9-0 overall in their history against South Carolina. Today the Road Warriors are facing the challenge of trying to win a road game in the Battle of the Palmetto State. Greenville has built a 5-0-0 record against South Carolina at home this season, while South Carolina is 1-0-1 against Greenville in North Charleston. Greenville was the first team in the season series to win an away game with a 4-3 overtime victory in its last visit to South Carolina on December 18. Greenville is trying to break its four game road losing streak which dates back to January 8. South Carolina, meanwhile, is trying to stay hot after winning six straight games to close out its seven game road trip that finished up on January 16.

Who: Greenville Road Warriors at South Carolina Stingrays
What: Away Game #19, Season Game #39
When: 7:05 p.m.
Where: North Charleston Coliseum, 5001 Coliseum Drive,  North Charleston, SC 29418

NOTEWORTHY:

Marc-Olivier Vallerand has scored 14 goals in 19 games since Dec. 2, 2011. He is Greenville’s all-time leader with 48 goals scored and is second in games played with 106

Greenville’s 237 times shorthanded are the second most in the ECHL behind only Bakersfield (239).

Justin Bowers leads the ECHL in power play assists (17) and power play points (19). His assist on Brett Robinson‘s power play goal on Jan. 14 was his 100th ECHL assist

Greenville is 44-for-49 on the penalty kill (90%) in its last 10 games. The Road Warriors have held opponents without a PPG in six of those games.
The Road Warriors’ six overtime games are second fewest in the ECHL behind only Bakersfield (5). Two of those six OT games have been against South Carolina.

Click here for Game Notes Page 1
Click here for Game Notes Page 2
Click here for Road Warriors player info
Click here for Stingrays player info

Mark your calendars! The Road Warriors face off against the Gwinnett Gladiators on Saturday, January 21 at 7:05 p.m. at the BI-LO Center. Get your group of 10 or more together to come out and enjoy a night with the Road Warriors. Groups qualify for discounts off of the box office price and preferred seating based on availability. Also be sure to check out greenvilleroadwarriors.com/tickets/groups for information on birthday party packages and luxury suite rentals. Call 864-674-PUCK (7825) for more info or to book your group.

The post PUTTING THE STINGER IN THE STINGRAYS first appeared on Howlings.