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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Rays Shore Up Blue Line with Pair of Defensemen

August 20, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League announced today the signing of defensemen Zach Tarkir and Johan Kroll for the 2008-09 season. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Tarkir, 24, split time last season between the Trenton Devils and the Lowell Devils. In 11 games with the AHL's Lowell Devils, Tarkir had five assists and two penalty minutes. In playing 49 games with Trenton, he amassed 15 points (1g, 14a) and 15 penalty minutes. The Fresno, CA native was originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils in the fifth round (#167 overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.

"Zach is a very mobile defenseman with a big shot that plays both ends of the rink well," said Head Coach Jared Bednar. "He has shown last year that he can succeed in this level as well as the AHL and we are glad to add him to the team."

Prior to turning professional, the 6-foot 1-inch, 189-pound defenseman spent four years at Northern Michigan University where he finished with 49 points (14g, 35a) in 151 games.

Kroll, 23, joins the Stingrays for his rookie season. The Plymouth, MN native played four games in the AHL with the Rochester Americans after finishing his career at Ohio State University. In those four games, Kroll registered one assist and four penalty minutes.

"Johann is a solid stay-at-home defenseman and adds another physical presence to the blue line," said Bednar. "He's a strong skater that will fit in well here in Charleston."

In his four years at Ohio State, the 6-foot 2-inch, 200-pound defenseman scored 27 points (5g, 22a) while picking up 177 penalty minutes, in 153 career games..

Mark your Calendars - the Stingrays open up the 2008-09 season at home against the Augusta Lynx on Saturday, October 18. The game will be at the North Charleston Coliseum starting at 7:05 p.m.

Don't miss any of the fast-paced, hard-hitting action of the 2008-09 season; purchase your ticket package today! For more information, including benefits, pricing, and package options, call the Stingrays at 744-2248 or view the information online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

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