ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Aquire Byfuglien

Published on December 4, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jared Bednar announced today that they have traded forward Bryan Esner to the Pensacola Ice Pilots in exchange for defenseman Derrick Byfuglien. In a separate transaction, the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League have recalled forward Andrew Gordon from South Carolina.

In 17 games with Pensacola this season, Byfuglien, 26, registered one assist and 32 penalty minutes, which ranked second on the Ice Pilots. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound blueliner has previously played in the ECHL with Florida, Roanoke, Mississippi, Greensboro, Cincinnati, and Augusta, collecting 51 points (13g, 38a) and 285 penalty minutes in 219 career contests.

"I think he's going to help us out immensely," Bednar said. "He's got some experience, and he's a guy you can play in all situations. I think he's going to be a good addition for our hockey club. I liked what I saw this weekend, and I'm excited to get him in our lineup."

Prior to turning pro in 2001-02, the Roseau, MN native skated with Fargo-Moorhead of the USHL, the University of North Dakota, and Erie of the OHL. Originally, Byfuglien was a 4th round selection (122nd overall) of the Ottawa Senators in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Esner, 24, recorded four points (2g, 2a), 12 penalty minutes, and a plus-four rating in 16 contests with the Stingrays this season.

A first-year pro, Gordon, 21, joined the Stingrays from Hershey on Nov. 6, recording eight goals and five assists for 13 points in 11 games. In six contests for the Bears in 2007-08, the Porters Lake, Nova Scotia native tallied two assists and four penalty minutes.

Come join the Rays back on home ice this weekend on Saturday, Dec. 8 and Sunday, Dec. 9 as they play the Johnstown Chiefs. Don't forget to bring your stuffed animals to the game on Saturday night for the Teddy Bear Toss for Debi's Kids. As soon as the Stingrays score their first goal of the night, all the teddy bears will be thrown on the ice. It's also Charleston Miracle League Night with the Stingrays wearing special jerseys that will be auctioned off live after the game. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. with doors opening for Season Ticket Holders at 5:30 p.m. and at 6 p.m. for the general public.

Come out to Sunday's game for Kids Day. All kids 12-and-under can purchase $5 tickets at the box office for the game. Don't forget your skates because after the game is Skate with the Rays. Stop by the promotions table outside Section 120 to sign up and get your red ticket to go down to the ice after the game. Sunday's game starts at 4 p.m. with doors opening at 2:30 p.m. for Season Ticket Holders and 3 p.m. for the general public. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

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ECHL Stories from December 4, 2007


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