Monardo, Milner Lead Rays to Kelly Cup Finals

May 25, 2017

For the second time in three seasons, the South Carolina Stingrays, the ECHL affiliate of the Bears, are headed to the Kelly Cup Finals. The Stingrays punched their ticket to the championship round with a 4-3 win in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals versus Manchester last Wednesday night. 

Domenic Monardo, who skated in 11 games with Hershey this season, notched a goal in the contest for South Carolina. Forward Olivier Archambault led the way for South Carolina with two goals, including the game-winning marker midway through the third period. Rob Flick also scored for the Rays, while Kelly Zajac, who had seven points in nine games with Hershey this season, collected two assists in the win. 

South Carolina goaltender Parker Milner stopped 24 shots to earn his 12th victory of the playoffs. Milner, who went 3-2 in five games with the Bears this season, has started every playoff game for South Carolina. 

The Stingrays will now play in their ECHL-best fifth Kelly Cup Finals. The Stingrays will battle the Colorado Eagles, the ECHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche, for the Kelly Cup. The series schedule is below. 

Game 1 – South Carolina at Colorado – L, 3-2 in 2OT
Game 2 – South Carolina at Colorado – L, 3-2
Game 3 – Colorado at South Carolina –L, 5-4 in OT
Game 4 – Colorado at South Carolina – Monday, June 5 at 7:05 p.m.
Game 5* – Colorado at South Carolina – Wednesday, June 7, at 7:05 p.m.
Game 6* – South Carolina at Colorado – Friday, June 9 at 9:05 p.m.
Game 7* – South Carolina at Colorado – Saturday, June 10 at 9:05 p.m.
*if necessary