Stingrays Secure Net with Signing of Johnson, Goepfert
Published on August 5, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release
North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League announced today the signing of goaltenders Josh Johnson and Bobby Goepfert for the 2008-09 season. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Johnson, 24, was 23-13-1 with a 2.80 goals-against average, and a .908 save percentage last season, his first with the Stingrays and first professionally. The Esko, MN native also recorded two shut-outs in his 37 games, and was named the Rbk Hockey Goalie of the Week for November 5-11 and December 24-30 and was the RBC Financial Group ECHL Saver of the Month for December.
"Josh provided some very solid goaltending last year," said Head Coach Jared Bednar. "Having him back this season gives us a goaltender that has proven he can win at this level."
Prior to turning professional, the 6-foot, 195-pound net minder spent four years at the University of Minnesota-Duluth posting a 22-20-4 record with three shutouts and a 2.71 goals-against average in 51 career games.
Goepfert, 25, joins the Stingrays after playing his rookie season with the Augusta Lynx. Originally a sixth round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Penguins (171st overall) in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, the Kings Park, NY native was 16-15-1 last season with a 2.60 goals-against average and .912 save percentage.
"Bobby is going to be a tremendous addition to our hockey club," commented Bednar. "In order to have a successful team on the ice, it's important to have two strong goaltenders, and with Josh and Bobby, the Stingrays have a chance to win every night."
Prior to playing with the Lynx, Goepfert played four years of NCAA hockey; two years with Providence College before transferring for his final two years at St. Cloud State. In his four years, Goepfert was 58-39-15 with nine shut-outs and a 2.31 goals-against average. Also while in college, Goepfert played alongside Chris Chaput, T.J. McElroy and Andrew Gordon, all of whom logged time with the Stingrays last season.
Mark your Calendars - the Stingrays open up the 2008-09 season at home against the Augusta Lynx on Saturday, October 18. The game will be at the North Charleston Coliseum starting at 7:05 p.m.
Don't miss any of the fast-paced, hard-hitting action of the 2008-09 season; purchase your ticket package today! For more information, including benefits, pricing, and package options, call the Stingrays at 744-2248 or view the information online at www.stingrayshockey.com.
ECHL Stories from August 5, 2008
- All-Star blueliner Bryan Miller re-signs with Alaska - Alaska Aces
- The Hockey News Hosts Ultimate Logo Contest - ECHL
- Salmon Kings Sign Defenseman Kelly - Victoria Salmon Kings
- Falcons to Participate in Light the Night Walk - Fresno Falcons
- Las Vegas Agrees To Terms With Two Defenders For 2008-09 - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Checkers Add Forwards Rutherford and Leveille - Charlotte Checkers
- Nailers Announce Two for One Season Ticket Promotion - Wheeling Nailers
- Stingrays Secure Net with Signing of Johnson, Goepfert - South Carolina Stingrays
- Rookie Brocklehurst joins Blades - Florida Everblades
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
