ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Sunday, October 27, 1996               TAG: 9610280154
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: C12  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: NORTH CHARLESTON, S. C. 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT

STINGRAYS NET EXPRESS 4-1 MOBERG LOSES IN HIS FIRST START

The Roanoke Express wasted a short-handed goal by Jeff Loder and a solid first start by goalie Larry Moberg, dropping a 4-1 decision to the South Carolina Stingrays on Saturday night in the East Coast Hockey League.

Loder's goal, off an assist from Tim Christian at 14 minutes, 53 seconds of the opening period, put the Express (1-4-0) on the scoreboard first. South Carolina (3-0-0) tied it 25 seconds later on a goal by Kyle Ferguson.

A fluke goal late in the second period proved to be the game-winner for the Stingrays. Scott Boston's high shot from the point hit Moberg, flipped into the air and landed behind the goalie in the crease. Moberg was unable to find the puck, and Dave Seitz knocked it across the line with 56 seconds remaining in the period.

South Carolina opened the final period on the power play, thanks to a penalty against the Express' Doug Searle late in the second. The Stingrays made Roanoke pay with five seconds left in the manpower advantage when Jeff Romfo scored.

Another power-play goal, this one by Brett Marietti with 9:45 remaining, completed the scoring for South Carolina.

Moberg finished with 35 saves as the Express was outshot 39-27.

The teams meet again Tuesday when the Stingrays visit the Roanoke Civic Center for a 7 p.m. faceoff.

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