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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Sting extends Fitzsimmons contract

August 30, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


The Stingrays announced last week that Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons has received a contract extension that will take him through the 2006-07 season with the franchise. Terms of the one year agreement will not be disclosed. Fitzsimmons, entering his fourth season as the team's bench boss also announced the signing of Captain Trevor Johnson. Johnson becomes the seventh player to agree to terms with the Rays for this season.

Fitzsimmons started with the Stingrays as an Assistant Coach in 1998. In the summer of 2002, he became the third Head Coach in franchise history behind Rick Vaive (1993-1998) and Rick Adduono (1998-2002). In three seasons as the head coach, Fitzsimmons has a record of 120-74-22 with three trips to the Kelly Cup Playoffs.

"I am excited to have another two seasons to try to get this team another Kelly Cup," commented Fitzsimmons. "I can not say enough about the way that our ownership group, our fans and our organization have treated my family and me throughout my tenure with this franchise."

His first order of business since signing his extension was to ink team captain Trevor Johnson. Johnson returns for his sixth season with the Stingrays. Last season, the defenseman played in just 21 games due to a broken leg suffered in December. The seven year professional played his first two seasons with the Hampton Roads Admirals of the ECHL. The native of Davidson, Saskatchewan was a member of the 2001 Kelly Cup Championship Team.

"Having Trevor back solidifies our defense. When he is healthy, he is one of the top defenders in our league," commented Fitzsimmons. "With the absence of players like Daubenspeck, Courtenay and Jickling, it was necessary for us to sign a player that can bring leadership to our club both on and off the ice.

The franchise also announced that the Washington Capitals and the Rays have agreed to resume their affiliation for another season. The Stingrays and the Capitals began their affiliation agreement prior to the 2004-05 season. The Rays will now be affiliated with Washington at the NHL level and the Hershey Bears at the AHL level. The Washington Capitals were equally as pleased with last seasons' arrangement. "We really enjoyed the first year of our relationship with the Stingrays and felt that it was mutually beneficial," McPhee said. "We've extended the affiliation agreement and I hope that we can work together for a long time."

Have you been around the town or around the country in your Stingrays gear? If so, send us your pictures. We'll put them on the website and on the big screen during the game so everyone will know you support your Rays all year round!

The South Carolina Stingrays announced this week that they have changed two away game dates for the upcoming season. Both games involve the Charlotte Checkers. The Stingrays will play at Charlotte on Thursday, February 2nd and Thursday, March 30th. The February 2nd game was originally slated for Friday the 3rd, while the March 30th game was originally scheduled for the 31st.

Season ticket holders may pick up their tickets at the Stingrays home exhibition game at the Carolina Ice Palace on Saturday, October 15th at 3:00 PM or at the Stingrays office the following week from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM.

The South Carolina Stingrays announced last that the team will hold open tryouts at the Carolina Ice Palace at 12:00 AM on October 8th and 9th. There is an open invitation to all hockey players worldwide to attend. The Rays will guarantee that at least one hopeful from "Midnight Madness" will earn a spot in the team's regular training camp, which hits the ice at the Carolina Ice Palace on Sunday, October 9th, and dress in a Stingrays pre season game.

"We have placed advertisements in some national and international hockey magazines to attract hockey players looking to earn a professional contract," said Rays VP of Sales and Marketing Chris George. "There are so many would be professionals in rinks everywhere wishing they had the opportunity to earn a professional contract, this is their chance."

Participants will be put through drills and scrimmages under the watchful eye of the Stingrays coaching staff during the two night event. The top player or players will immediately sign an official tryout form with the franchise and be one of a handful of players attempting to earn an ECHL contract.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit disadvantaged children of the Low Country.

Interested players can contact Patrick Sullivan for "Midnight Madness" open tryout details at 843-744-2248 (ext. 1205). Space is limited.

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