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South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Sign Rookie Forward Alex Gacek

August 25, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


NORTH CHARLESTON, SC- The South Carolina Stingrays, proud affiliate of the Washington Capitals, have signed rookie forward Alex Gacek, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Warsofsky announced today.

"He's got that warrior mentality," said Warsofsky. "He plays a 200-foot game and we think he has a bit more scoring touch than he had in college with the way his game translates to the pro game. He's a smaller guy, almost like a Patrick Gaul, that can bring a lot of energy to the lineup on any given night."

Gacek, 23, comes to the Stingrays after completing his collegiate hockey career at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Last season, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound forward had a career best 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 38 games. He landed a spot on the National Collegiate Hockey Conference's (NCHC) Academic All-Conference Team. In 149 career games with the RedHawks, Gacek posted 46 points (16 goals, 30 assists) with a +12 rating.

"Everyone I've talked to about South Carolina said it's a second-to-none organization," said Gacek. "When I talked with Ryan Warsofsky, it was an instant connection and I haven't heard one negative thing about the Stingrays. That really sold me on signing. I knew I wanted to keep playing after college, and I know the pro game is a little different than the college game, but I'm going to come in and leave everything on the ice. I pride myself on working hard, getting better everyday, and playing every game like it's my last."

During his four years with the RedHawks, the resident of Hampton, New Hampshire helped Miami to a Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) regular season championship in 2012-13, and a NCHC tournament championship in 2015. Miami advanced to the NCAA Tournament twice in Gacek's tenure with the club.

Gacek's junior hockey experience included an EJHL championship with the New Hampshire Jr. Monarchs in 2009-10, a season in which he posted 61 points (33 goals, 28 assists). He also skated with the Indiana Ice and Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

The news of Gacek's signing caps an exciting day for the Stingrays. Earlier in the day, the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL named Stingrays Hall of Famer Jared Bednar as the club's new head coach. The Stingrays will have a press release including the organization's reaction to Bednar's hiring later today.

The Stingrays' 24th season in the Lowcountry starts on October 22. 2016-17 Season Ticket Packages are on sale now featuring discounted pricing and great benefits! For more information, fans may call the Stingrays' offices at 843-744-2248 or visit StingraysHockey.com.

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