The Fort Wayne Komets downed the South Carolina Stingrays in commanding fashion by a 7-2 final in Game 1 of the Kelly Cup Finals on Friday night. The Fort Wayne win was their first against the Stingrays this season, as South Carolina swept them in the season series. The Komets have had experience playing on a practice rink during the Kelly Cup Playoffs, as they played on Wichita’s practice ice during their opening round. This was also the first-ever Kelly Cup Finals game for the South Carolina Stingrays.
First Kelly Cup Hat-Trick Since 2007 Carries Komets
In a very unexpected matchup between the No. 3 seed Komets and the No. 4 seed South Carolina Stingrays, South Carolina came out strong early, as they were controlling the play in the opening minutes. However, it would be the Komets who would get on the board first, as Marcus McIvor would beat Hunter Shepard at the 10:26 mark, and from that point on, South Carolina wouldn’t look back. It would take them just 53 seconds to double that lead, as Brandon Hawkins would score his first of the night. In the middle frame, the Stingrays would show a ray of hope, as Caleb Herbert sent one off of the post and in on the power play to make it a 3-1 game. Sadly, the Komets would respond with four straight goals, including two more goals for Brandon Hawkins. That hat-trick became the first since Greg Rallo scored one for the Idaho Steelheads in the 2007 Kelly Cup Finals. For South Carolina, it was a night of missed opportunities, as they had eight chances with the man advantage. This included a short five-on-three in which the Stingrays would come up just short.
The seventh goal for Fort Wayne would chase Rays goaltender Hunter Shepard, who would allow seven goals on 27 shots. It would also tie the most goals the Rays gave up this season, as the only other time they gave up seven goals was in a 7-6 loss to the Orlando Solar Bears on April 14th. Another interesting note is that Stingrays backup goalie Justin Kupsky would record his first Kelly Cup Playoff point, as he was credited with an assist on the goal from Max Gottlieb. His goal would also be the last of the night for either team. Between the pipes, the 25-year-old backstop stopped all three shots he faced in a losing effort. Prior to joining the Stingrays, Kupsky, in 18 games played, tallied three assists with the Pensacola Ice Flyers. South Carolina will look to even the series on Sunday, as puck drop is scheduled for 6:05pmET. You can catch all the action live with a one-time subscription using FloSports online.