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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Rays Sign Courtenay and Daubenspeck

July 8, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


NORTH CHARLESTON, SC South Carolina Stingrays Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today that the team has signed goaltender Kirk Daubenspeck and forward Ed Courtenay. The pair, both ECHL veterans, join Mike Jickling and Steve Spencer on the team's list of signed players for the upcoming season. Daubenspeck will be in a Stingrays uniform for his fifth season, while Courtenay returns for a third campaign.

"We wanted to make sure that we brought back the correct people from last year's roster before moving ahead with signing the rest of our team," commented Fitzsimmons. "Last season, both Kirk and Ed proved to be leaders on and off the ice."

Kirk Daubenspeck will start his third straight season for the Stingrays and his fifth season overall with the Rays. The native of Madison, WI has been a consistent performer in his seven professional seasons. Last year, he played in 47 games for the Rays and won 29 times. Daubenspeck helped the Stingrays to a Kelly Cup Championship in 2001 and recently passed Jody Lehman as the franchises leader in wins with 95. A 1992 draft pick of the Philadelphia Flyers, Daubenspeck stands 6'-0" and weighs 190 lbs.

"Kirk comes to the rink every night to win. He is an unselfish player that isn't concerned with individual numbers," said Fitzsimmons. "He brings an intensity and work ethic that are unmatched in this league. Having Kirk back makes us a Kelly Cup contender."

Ed Courtenay returned to the Stingrays this season after an absence of six years from the team and the ECHL. In two seasons with the Stingrays he has put up impressive statistics including 83 goals and 93 assists for 176 points in 137 games. Courtenay set franchise single season records in 1996-97 with 110 points and 54 goals. A year ago, Ed led the team with 29 goals, 37 assists and 66 points. Courtenay has played 44 NHL games in his career, scoring seven goals and adding 13 assists for 20 points.

"Ed has a proven ability to put up tremendous numbers in this league," noted Fitzsimmons. "What makes him more valuable is the fact that he can be trusted on the ice in all situations."

Courtenay's role on the team last season expanded to include penalty killing responsibilities.

With two veteran spots now taken on the Rays roster, two remain.

The Stingrays will drop the puck against the Charlotte Checkers on October 23rd to open their home schedule. The Rays have teamed up with the South Carolina Education Lottery to give three lucky fans in attendance on opening night 1,000 chances at winning a minimum of 10 million dollars. Fans who purchase season ticket packages for as little as $55.50 will be given even more chances to win. For more information on season, group or fundraiser packs for that night or any other home date, fans can contact the Stingrays office at 744-2248.

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