ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Sign First Player for 2008-09 Season

July 2, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jared Bednar announced today that veteran defenseman Nate Kiser has re-signed for the 2008-09 season. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Kiser, 26, established career highs and led all Stingrays defensemen with 22 assists and 27 points during the 2007-08 campaign, his fourth with South Carolina. Kiser's 169 penalty minutes finished second on the Stingrays, while the alternate captain's three power-play goals tied for the team lead among blueliners.

"Nate brings veteran leadership to the locker room and a physical presence to the ice," Bednar said. "He's an important piece to our lineup, whether it's on the power play or even strength. His game has improved each year, and I'm looking forward to him returning this season."

The Southgate, Michigan native missed 14 games due to a leg injury suffered in late October, but returned in December to record a +12 plus-minus rating and share PaySourceUSA Plus Performer of the month honors.

"I'm thrilled to be coming back for another year with the Rays," Kiser said. "After the great season we had, reaching the ECHL semifinals, I really want to help bring a Kelly Cup Championship to South Carolina."

Kiser ranks sixth in Stingrays history with 738 career penalty minutes, while his 236 games played place eleventh all-time. During the 2006-07 campaign he led South Carolina with a +14 plus-minus rating and a career-high 222 penalty minutes, which ranked seventh in the ECHL.

In five seasons as a professional, Kiser has posted 88 points (17g, 71a) and 930 penalty minutes in 310 career games with South Carolina and Dayton in the ECHL, and Syracuse, Portland and Albany of the AHL.

Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-1, 225-pound defenseman played four years with the OHL's Plymouth Whalers, amassing 41 points (13g, 28a) and 473 penalty minutes in 137 junior games. Originally, he was a 5th round choice (160th overall) of the Phoenix Coyotes in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.

Mark your Calendars - the Stingrays open up the 2008-09 Season with a home-and-home series against the Augusta Lynx on October 17 and 18. First the team travels to Augusta before playing at the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, October 18 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. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

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