ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Sign Pair of Rookies

August 23, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


North Charleston, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jared Bednar announced today the signing of two rookies, goaltender Josh Johnson and forward Matt Scherer, to 2007-08 contracts. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Johnson, 23, spent the last 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.

"He's a late bloomer," Bednar said about Johnson. "It took a little time for him to get an opportunity [at Minnesota-Duluth], playing behind a solid goaltender there for a few years. Last year was his turn, and he had a great stretch run for them. He has the potential to be a great goaltender in this league."

The 6-foot, 185-pound native of Esko, Minn. went 8-7-2 last season for the Bulldogs, recording two shutouts and a 2.14 goals-against average, which tied him for eighth in Division I and third in the WCHA. One of Johnson's 2006-07 shutouts was a 32-save performance against 2006 NCAA Champion Wisconsin, resulting in a 0-0 tie.

Johnson spent one season with the USHL's Green Bay Gamblers prior to his stint at Minnesota-Duluth, where one of his teammates included Ryan Carter of the 2007 Stanley Cup Champion Anaheim Ducks. During his time with the Bulldogs, Johnson played with former Stingrays center Evan Schwabe.

Scherer, 25, served as captain of the University of Connecticut Huskies last season, leading the team with 24 goals and 36 points en route to All-Atlantic Hockey 2nd Team honors. The 6-foot, 195-pound forward also tied for the Atlantic Hockey lead with 18 markers in 2006-07.

"He knows how to score goals, Bednar said." He works extremely hard and is a tremendous leader. I think he's a guy that can do very well at this level. I was real happy to get him, and I know he's excited about coming to Charleston."

In four years at UCONN, Scherer collected 62 goals and 43 assists for 105 points in 138 career games. His 138 games played are second all-time in school history, while his 183 penalty minutes rank third.

"It's obviously a tremendous feeling to sign a professional contract," Scherer said. "The Stingrays seemed like the best fit for me and my aspirations. They are an organization that has some history and tradition, with a track record of moving their players up the professional ladder. After doing a little research and hearing good things both from and about coach Bednar, Charleston seemed like a no-brainer for me."

Prior to his collegiate days, the Seattle, Wash. native played four years in the United States Hockey League (USHL); three with the Tri-City Storm and one with the Sioux City Musketeers. Two of Scherer's teammates in the USHL, defensemen Tim Judy and Scott Romfo, were 2006-07 Stingrays.

Come join the Stingrays for their 15th Anniversary Season! The 2007-08 season begins on Oct. 20 at 7:05 p.m. as the Rays take on in-state rival Columbia Inferno! Deposits are being taken now for the 2007-08 South Carolina Stingrays season tickets! For just $100 you can reserve your seat to every hard-hitting, action-packed game at the North Charleston Coliseum. For more information including benefits, pricing, and package options, please call the Stingrays front office at 744-2248 or view the information online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey - A Whole Lot Cooler!

Matt Scherer

Forward

Born Apr 19 1982 -- Seattle, WA

Height 6.00 -- Weight 195

--- Regular Season --- ---- Playoffs ----

Season Team Lge GP G A Pts PIM GP G A Pts PIM

--------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------

1999-00 Sioux City Musketeers USHL 19 1 1 2 23 -- -- -- -- --

2000-01 Tri-City Storm USHL 30 3 3 6 44 5 0 0 0 0

2001-02 Tri-City Storm USHL 55 13 7 20 42 -- -- -- -- --

2002-03 Tri-City Storm USHL 60 13 9 22 68 2 0 0 0 4

2003-04 U. of Connecticut NCAA 35 12 17 29 38

2004-05 U. of Connecticut NCAA 32 13 7 20 46

2005-06 U. of Connecticut NCAA 36 15 5 20 63

2006-07 U. of Connecticut NCAA 35 22 14 36 36

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Josh Johnson

Goalie

Born Jan 25 1984 -- Esko, MN

Height 6.00 -- Weight 170 -- Shoots R

Season Team Lge GP Min GA EN SO GAA W L T Svs Pct

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2002-03 Green Bay Gamblers USHL 31 1484 73 0 2 2.95 11 14 1 746 0.911

2003-04 U. of Minnesota-Duluth NCAA 9 451 18 0 1 2.39 5 4 0 195 0.915

2004-05 U. of Minnesota-Duluth NCAA 17 845 42 0 0 2.98 6 5 2 378 0.900

2005-06 U. of Minnesota-Duluth NCAA 7 358 25 0 0 4.19 3 4 0 140 0.848

2006-07 U. of Minnesota-Duluth NCAA 18 1065 38 0 2 2.14 8 7 2 452 0.922

Check out the South Carolina Stingrays Statistics



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