ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Rays Add Two to Roster

January 2, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jared Bednar announced today that they have signed forward T.J. Sakaluk and goaltender Jay Chrapala. Both players will be available when the Stingrays depart for a seven-game road trip starting Friday night in Estero, Florida against the Florida Everblades.

Sakaluk, 24, played three games this season with the CHL's Austin Ice Bats, collecting one assist. He also appeared in four games for the Manglerud Star in Norway, totaling six points (2g, 4a) and 24 penalty minutes. During the 2006-07 campaign, the 6-foot-1, 215-pound forward saw action in 26 contests for the Toledo Storm, as well as a combined 15 games for the UHL's Chicago Hounds and Port Huron Flags.

"T.J has played in our league before," Bednar said. "He's got really good hands, good vision, and he's a pretty smart player. I feel lucky that we found him. It's definitely a plus for us."

Prior to turning pro, the Hamilton, Ontario native spent two seasons in the OPJHL with Bramalea and Oakville, registering 22 goals and 25 assists for 47 points in 50 games. He then played two years at SUNY-Potsdam, finishing second in scoring with 30 and 33 points, respectfully, during the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons.

Chrapala, 26, attended training camp with the CHL's Corpus Christi Rayz this fall, appearing in one preseason contest. Last season, the Hamilton, Ontario native played 21 games for the SPHL's Richmond Renegades, posting a 7-9-1 record.

"Jay came out of college last year and spent some time in the SPHL," Bednar said. "He's been at home playing in Toronto, and he was nice enough to come down and help us out until we see what happens with (Davis) Parley. We're certainly lucky to be able to pick him up heading into this road trip."

From 2002-2006, the 6-foot-3, 180-pound netminder appeared in 53 contests for the Manhattanville College Valiants, recording a 30-11-5 mark and a 2.26 goals-against-average. During his freshman season in 2002-03 he was named the ECAC West Goaltender of the Year after producing a 13-5-1 record and a 2.22 goals-against-average.

Tune in as the Stingrays look to extend their winning streak to a record 13 games on Friday, Jan. 4th against the Florida Everblades. Friday's game will be broadcast live on ESPN Radio 910 the Team and online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

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