Stingrays Lock In Irving

July 30, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today that veteran winger Joel Irving has signed with the Rays for the upcoming season. Irving has played the last two years in South Carolina, helping the team to its second Kelly Cup Title in 2001. The Stingrays now have ten players signed for the upcoming year as Irving joins Kirk Daubenspeck, Brad Williamson, Robin Gomez, Brett Marietti, Ryan Brindley, Trevor Johnson, Adam Calder, Matt Desrosiers and Jeff Boulanger.

Irving has played the majority of the last two seasons with the Rays. Last year he spent 60 games in South Carolina scoring 18 goals and adding 28 assists for 46 points with 140 penalty minutes. The native of Lumsden, Saskatchewan also spent 17 games with the Rochester Americans. This season will mark Joel's fifth as a professional.

"Joel has the entire package, speed, size, toughness and the ability to score," said Fitzsimmons. "He has been a huge part of this team for the last two seasons and wants to play here for many years to come."

Irving wrapped up a college career at Western Michigan University in 1998. He was a sixth round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 1994. The 6' 4-225 lb right wing began his professional career with the Johnstown Chiefs in 1998. While with the Chiefs, Irving was a member of the Northern Conference All-Stars at the 2000 ECHL All-Star game in Greenville. As a rookie, Joel managed 26 goals in 65 games

South Carolina kicks off its home schedule for its tenth anniversary season on October 19th, when the Stingrays host the Columbus Cottonmouths.

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ECHL Stories from July 30, 2002

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