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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Re-sign Johnson, Messier

September 2, 2009 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Cail MacLean announced today that forward Keith Johnson and defenseman Lyon Messier have re-signed with the team. In keeping with club policy terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Johnson, 24, returns after posting 21 goals and 25 assists for 46 points in 62 regular season games for South Carolina in 2008-09, including 9 power-play goals and 4 short-handed markers, which ranked third and second, respectively, on the Stingrays. The Windsor, CT, native appeared in all 23 playoff contests, totaling 11 points (5g, 6a), as South Carolina claimed its ECHL-record third Kelly Cup title.

"We look for him to produce offensively," MacLean said. "One benefit of Keith is that he's so coachable he can play in all situations."

The third-year pro also saw action last season with the Portland Pirates, producing one goal and one assist in seven contests. Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward played four years with the University of Maine Black Bears, collecting 54 points (30g, 24a) in 139 games.

Messier, 22, originally joined South Carolina this past February after beginning the 2008-09 campaign with the Charlotte Checkers, where he went scoreless in one game. In 16 contests with the Stingrays, the 6-foot-1, 175-pound blueliner earned two points and 16 penalty minutes.

"Lyon joined us late last year and did an admirable job," MacLean said. "We'll look to him to contribute in the same way, making solid plays defensively and keeping it simple."

The Dallas, TX, native also played 28 contests with the CHL's New Mexico Scorpions last year, amassing one goal and six assists for 7 points. The son of NHL Hall of Famer Mark Messier, Lyon spent time with three teams during the 2007-08 season - Kelowna (WHL), Erie (OHL), and Lincoln (USHL) - combining for 17 points (5g, 12a) and 60 penalty minutes in 58 games.

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! Call the Stingrays front office at 744-2248 for more information. For all the latest Stingrays news visit www.stingrayshockey.com.

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