Nick Roberto Re-Signs with Stingrays
July 31, 2018 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and AHL's Hershey Bears, have agreed to terms with forward Nick Roberto for the 2018-19 season. The Wakefield, Mass. native spent his rookie season with the Stingrays during 2017-18, suiting up for 58 regular season games while contributing 19 points on seven goals and 12 assists.
"It's good to have Nick back for his second year with the Stingrays," said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. "Coming out of Boston University he was someone that Ryan [Warsofsky] wanted to get here. I think as the season went on we were able to see some of his valuable assets including his speed. He was out there for important situations during the last minute of the game and killed penalties and he did a terrific job developing as a first-year pro. Hopefully, we'll see more of that again next year with Nick."
Of Roberto's seven goals last season, three were scored while SC was shorthanded, which was tied for third-most in the ECHL. He also added two even-strength markers, two empty-net tallies and finished the year with a +5 rating. During postseason play, Roberto had one assist and played in all four games during the team's first-round series against Orlando.
Now heading into his second professional season, Roberto said he is excited to get back to the Lowcountry.
"Obviously it's a great spot," Roberto said. "The fans are awesome down there, the weather is amazing, our team was really good, and I was able to work my way into the lineup. Like anything else, you can't just jump right into anything, but once I got acclimated to things, it felt really good. There were stretches where I played really well and stretches where I wasn't consistent enough, but with Coach Warsofsky and Coach Bergin being there, they were very confident in me while telling me what I had to work on throughout the year."
"I think it made me a better player overall and then once the playoffs came around I thought that was my best hockey as a Stingray. That's why I really wanted to come back because during the playoffs it was probably the most fun I had being a Ray and obviously it was a tough way that we went out but I'm looking forward to next year and getting it going again."
The 5-foot-10, 187-pound forward came to South Carolina after playing a total of 113 collegiate games over four seasons at Boston University with 44 points (16 goals, 28 assists). After a good rookie campaign, Roberto, 25, said he's been working hard in the offseason to make sure he is prepared for another year.
"I've been maintaining what I've been doing and trying to get a little bit stronger," Roberto said. "Skating is my best asset, so I'm working on that and trying to add more offense to my game because I thought defensively I was right there. I want to be a good teammate and a good guy in the locker room like I was last year. Hopefully everyone gels together because we have a younger group but the Stingrays organization is known to win so I expect to do that again."
Before his time at BU, Roberto spent two seasons at Kimball Union after attending Malden Catholic, where he helped win the 2011 Super 8 title.
The attacker is the 10th forward and 13th skater overall to sign with South Carolina for 2018-19. More player signings are expected to be announced in the coming days and weeks.
The 26th season of South Carolina Stingrays hockey begins in Jacksonville against the Icemen on October 13. The Stingrays will open their home schedule vs. Greenville on Saturday, October 20.
Season tickets are on sale now! For more information or to purchase, contact the Stingrays by phone at 843-744-2248 or visit 3300 W. Montague Ave. Suite A-200 during business hours.
ECHL Stories from July 31, 2018
- Steelheads Add Forward Kyle Schempp - Idaho Steelheads
- Solar Bears Ink Defenseman Rob Mann - Orlando Solar Bears
- Cyclones Partner with Cincinnati Special Hockey - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Nick Roberto Re-Signs with Stingrays - South Carolina Stingrays
- Big Forward Returns to Jacksonville - Jacksonville Icemen
- Fuel Unveil Fifth Anniversary Logo - Indy Fuel
- A Big Storm Is Coming to Toledo - Toledo Walleye
- Gladiators to Hold Auditions for First Ever Dance Team - Atlanta Gladiators
- McMorrow Returns to Norfolk, Signs with Admirals - Norfolk Admirals
- Growlers Unveil Jerseys - Newfoundland Growlers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
