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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Rays Trade McElroy to Idaho

December 12, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jared Bednar announced today the trade of T.J. McElroy to the Idaho Steelheads in exchange for Mike Gabinet.

Drafted by the Los Angeles Kings in round 8 (#237 overall) in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, defenseman Gabinet has spent the last two seasons with the Idaho Steelheads recording 35 points (6g-29a) in 62 games. After beginning last season in NHL camp with the New York Rangers, the 26-year-old tallied 21 points (4g-17a) in 40 games before missing the end of the season and the playoffs with a shattered kneecap. He began the 2005-2006 season in the NHL's Edmonton Oilers training camp, then played 22 games with Idaho, accumulating 16 points (2g-14a), and on a call up with Idaho's AHL affiliate, the Iowa Stars, played in 18 games. Prior to turning pro, the 6'3", 210-pounder played four years at the University of Nebraska - Omaha where he collected 47 points (6g-41a) in 130 games. Gabiet has not played a game yet this season, but is expected to be in the line-up next week.

"(Gabinet's) a big guy that skates very well and moves the puck," said Bednar. "He can play at both ends of the ice, but he's going to bring some offensive skill to the blue line that we've been missing."

McElroy, 25, has played 17 games with the Rays this season and has two goals and 11 assists for 13 points, including eight points (2g-6a) during the Stingrays latest six-game winning streak. The 6-foot, 210-pound defenseman has five points (0g-5a) in the last two games, including tying his career bests with three assists and three points on Dec. 8 against Johnstown. Last season with the Rays, the Golden Valley, MN native had 23 points (8g-15a), led all Stingrays rookies with 110 penalty minutes and represented South Carolina in the 2007 ECHL All Star Game in Boise.

"I was reluctant to give up T.J.," Bednar continued, "but he was the guy Idaho really wanted. He obviously impressed their coaching staff in last year's all star game."

The Stingrays take the ice next Wednesday as they host the Pensacola Ice Pilots at 7:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. It's Blu Gorilla Tattoo Night at the Stingrays game. Stop by the Blu Gorilla table on the concourse to show off your tattoo for a chance to win a prize pack from Blu Gorilla Tattoo and the Stingrays.

Don't miss all the fast-paced, hard-hitting action! Partial season ticket packages are available by calling (843) 744-2248 and speaking to a ticket sales manager.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum box office, by calling Ticketmaster at (843) 554-6060 and online at www.ticketmaster.com.

Discounted groups tickets, birthday packages, Kids Club information and fundraiser opportunities are available by calling (843) 744-2248 or by visiting online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

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ECHL Stories from December 12, 2007


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