ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Ink Affiliation with Washington

Published on August 11, 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 an affiliation agreement with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League. The agreement will help the Stingrays attract young players through their relationship with the Capitals and the Portland Pirates of the American Hockey League. The one year agreement will begin immediately.

"We are extremely pleased to form an affiliation with the South Carolina Stingrays," said George McPhee, Capitals vice president and general manager. "It is important for our club to develop a relationship with an ECHL team, especially one like South Carolina that has been successful on and off the ice. The Stingrays have great fan support and an impressive 11-year history, finishing with a winning record and advancing to the playoffs each year while twice capturing the Kelly Cup as the ECHL champion."

The specifics of the agreement will not be released; however Fitzsimmons feels that Stingrays fans will see the results of the affiliation immediately.

"We expect to see a number of Washington prospects on our opening night roster," he said. "The lines of communication have already been wide open between the Stingrays and the Capitals organization. I am looking forward to working closely with everyone involved."

South Carolina was originally affiliated with the Buffalo Sabres, when they broke into the ECHL in 1993. After spending two seasons without an NHL agreement the Rays had a loose affiliation with the Edmonton Oilers last season.

"With the competitive balance of the ECHL today, it is increasingly more difficult to win with consistency," added Fitzsimmons. "A strong affiliation can certainly help teams at this level have the advantage when the puck drops."

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 that 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.

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ECHL Stories from August 11, 2004


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