South Carolina Stingrays Defeat Orlando Solar Bears 4-1

“We have to play hard, we have to be detailed,” Stingrays defenseman Jérémie Biakabutuka said, reflecting on the grit required to secure a 4-1 victory over the Orlando Solar Bears on Nov. 6.

After suffering their first loss in their previous outing, the South Carolina Stingrays returned to the win column at the North Charleston Coliseum, performing in front of 5,402 fans, according to a report from the Post and Courier.

The win moves the Stingrays to a 6-1-0-0 record with 12 points, providing a necessary correction to their momentum following a recent stumble. The victory was anchored by a steady performance from goaltender Ben Kraws, who stopped 25 of the 26 shots he faced to earn his fifth win in as many starts this season.

A physical turning point in North Charleston

The game was defined by more than just scoring; it was shaped by a shift in intensity that occurred midway through the second period. With 4:27 remaining in that frame, the physical nature of the contest escalated when a spearing attempt by the Solar Bears led to a confrontation along the South Carolina bench.

South Carolina took down Orlando thanks to four goals on the man-advantage as the Stingrays beat the Solar Bears, 5-3! The Stingrays are 4-0 to start the year for the first time in nine seasons! pic.twitter.com/g2i1DCXQEx

— https://x.com/SCStingrays/status/2114184958160060732

Biakabutuka, who took exception to the play, exchanged blows with Orlando’s Brennan Saulnier. While the defenseman noted it was only his second professional fight, he emphasized the necessity of the moment.

“I’m not a big fighter,” Biakabutuka said. “It’s only my second pro fight. But when you touch one of our skill guys like that, you have to step up, and it got the boys fired up.”

That emotional surge translated directly into a tactical advantage. The infraction resulted in a double minor penalty against Orlando, which the Stingrays immediately exploited. Zack Andrusiak capitalized on the man-advantage with a wrist shot, doubling the South Carolina lead and providing the cushion necessary to control the final period.

Early momentum and offensive depth

The scoring opened just over five minutes into the contest. Following a successful penalty kill by the Solar Bears, Tyler Kopff buried a rebound from a snap shot by Biakabutuka to give South Carolina the initial 1-0 lead. The play highlighted the chemistry developing within the roster, specifically involving Jaylen Luypen, who contributed two assists during the game.

The Stingrays’ offense showed significant depth, as four different players found the back of the net to secure the four-goal total. The efficiency of the scoring was bolstered by the team’s ability to maintain composure even when Orlando threatened to close the gap.

During the final three minutes of the first period, Orlando managed a power play and nearly found a way back into the game when a shot rang off the post. However, the Stingrays’ defensive structure held, allowing them to carry the lead into the second frame and eventually through the end of the game.

Biakabutuka credited the scoring opportunity to proper positioning and unselfish play, noting that he was not expecting the pass from Luypen. “When you play with these guys, you have to be well positioned, and the puck will be on your stick,” he said.

As the season progresses, the ability of the Stingrays to respond to physical provocation with disciplined scoring will likely be a deciding factor in their standing within the league. For now, the combination of Kraws’ reliability in net and a sudden burst of “grit,” as Biakabutuka described it, has kept the team firmly in contention.