Zapolski Records Third-Straight Shutout on Pink in the Rink - Live5News.com | Charleston, SC | News, Weather, Sports

Goaltender Ryan Zapolski recorded his third-straight shutout, tying an ECHL record, making 27 saves propelling the South Carolina Stingrays (30-23-2-3) over the Greenville Road Warriors (30-20-2-4) 3-0 in front of 7,007 on Pink in the Rink presented by East Cooper Medical Center at the North Charleston Coliseum Saturday evening. The shutout is Zapolski's ECHL-leading seventh of the season, second highest in ECHL history.

Stingrays forward Brian Elser broke the scoreless tie 4:55 into the second period deflecting a shot from the right-wing point off the stick of defenseman Nicholas Kuqali between the legs of Road Warriors goaltender Connor Knapp (L, 30 saves 33 shots). Forward Ryan Hayes made it 2-0 on the power play at 14:17 with help from defenseman Scooter Vaughan and forward Robby Dee. 

Dee completed the game scoring early in the third period snapping a shot over the glove of Knapp from the bottom of the right-wing circle at 3:54. Defenseman Luka Vidmar and Hayes picked up assists. The Stingrays ended the game 1-for-4 on the power play while the Road Warriors went 0-for-3. 

Stingrays goaltender Jeff Jakaitis recorded three-straight shutouts last season as a member of the Gwinnett Gladiators and former Stingrays goaltender Shane Connelly netted that same accomplishment with South Carolina in 2009-10. 

The Stingrays wrap up the weekend against the Road Warriors tomorrow, Sunday, February 24 at 4:00 p.m. at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, South Carolina and return to the Coliseum on Tuesday, February 26 to host the Gwinnett Gladiators at 7:05 p.m.