ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Extend Affiliation with Washington, Hershey

July 22, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays and the National Hockey League's Washington Capitals have renewed their affiliation for the 2009-10 season. The extension also applies to the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears, the 2009 Calder Cup Champions, for the fifth consecutive campaign.

"We have a lot of pride in our affiliation with South Carolina, highlighted by the Stingrays' run to the Kelly Cup this spring," said Capitals Vice President and General Manager George McPhee. "It has been an outstanding proving ground for our prospects."

Last season, the Stingrays received seven players who were under contract with the Capitals, including goaltender Michal Neuvirth, this year's Jack A. Butterfield winner as the Calder Cup Playoff Most Valuable Player, who became the first player to see action with the Stingrays and Capitals in the same campaign. Josh Godfrey, Washington's second round pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, and Stefan Della Rovere, a member of Team Canada's gold medal-winning club at the 2009 World Junior Championships, also spent time with South Carolina in 2008-09.

"We are very excited to be affiliated with the Capitals again next season," said Head Coach Cail MacLean. "It's a great situation when you can work with an NHL team that believes in the value of development at the AA level."

South Carolina began their affiliation with Washington prior to the 2004-05 season. Since then, seven players - Maxime Daigneault, Jonas Johansson, Daren Machesney, Joey Tenute, Sean Collins, Andrew Gordon, and Neuvirth - have gone on to dress for the Capitals.

Mark your Calendars - The Stingrays Opening Weekend is set for Friday, October 16 against the Wheeling Nailers and Saturday, October 17 against the Charlotte Checkers. Don't miss any of the fast-paced, action-packed, championship-winning action of the South Carolina Stingrays. Ticket packages for the 2009-10 season are on sale now for as low as $44 a month. Call the Stingrays front office at 744-2248 for more information. For all the latest Stingrays news visit www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - Family Affordable Entertainment.

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ECHL Stories from July 22, 2009


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