Stingrays Add Forward and Defenseman
Published on August 12, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC South Carolina Stingrays Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today that the team has signed forward Matt Elich and rookie defenseman Aaron Forsythe. The Stingrays now have ten players signed for the upcoming season including Mike Jickling, Steve Spencer, Kirk Daubenspeck, Ed Courtenay, Aaron Power, Joe Tenute, Kevin Spiewak and Robin Gomez.
Elich is a speedy forward that spent 59 games last season with the Greensboro Generals, scoring 18 goals and adding 28 assists for 46 points. He was a third round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1997. The Grosse Pointe, Michigan native spent 16 games over two seasons in the NHL with the Lightning from 1999-2001. This year will represent Elich's sixth season as a professional after a junior career in the OHL, which included a 44 goal campaign with Kingston in 1998-99.
"Matt has tremendous speed and a proven ability to score," commented Fitzsimmons. "He is going to be a great complement to our offense. He has a wealth of experience at all levels of professional hockey, which should help some of our younger players on and off the ice."
Aaron Forsythe is a rookie defenseman that has spent the last four seasons playing college hockey with Mankato State University in Minnesota. A native of Mankato, Forsythe stands 6'4" and weighs 200 lbs.
"Aaron is a big steady defenseman that will help to strengthen our defense," noted Fitzsimmons. "He had a successful college career and should fit in well at this level."
Fitzsimmons also announced that the Stingrays have hired Summerville native Heath Kaufman as the team's equipment manager. Kaufman spent last season as the equipment manager with the Columbus Cottonmouths of the ECHL. The 24 year old is a 1999 graduate of Summerville High School. He spent six years with the Stingrays as a stick boy and assistant equipment manager before taking the post with Columbus. Kaufman will begin with the Rays immediately.
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.
ECHL Stories from August 12, 2004
- Sharks to Host NHL Pre-season Game at Save Mart Center - Fresno Falcons
- Rome to Again Patrol Blueline - Reading Royals
- Gladiators Trade Defenseman to Reading - Atlanta Gladiators
- Serbus To Work 2004 United States Under-17 Select Team - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Trenton Titans Booster Club Joins Shots 4 Tots - Trenton Devils
- Ice Pilots Participate in One For The Community Campaign - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Steelheads re-sign Kelly Cup winning blueliners - Idaho Steelheads
- Players With Signed ECHL Contracts As Of August 10 - ECHL
- Chiefs Unite With Stanley Cup Champs - Johnstown Chiefs
- Stingrays Add Forward and Defenseman - South Carolina Stingrays
- Jackson Returns to Gladiators - Atlanta Gladiators
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
