ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Stingrays Weekly

August 14, 2007 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


READY FOR HOCKEY??

Your South Carolina Stingrays take on the Columbia Inferno on Saturday, October 20th at 7:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum. That's only 67 days away!

Don't have your tickets yet? Don't worry, it's not too late! Season Tickets are NOW ON SALE!

Don't miss any of the fast-paced, action-packed, hard-hitting action! Full Season Tickets and Mini Plans are available by calling the Stingrays front office at 744-2248. For more information on all ticket packages visit our website at www.stingrayshockey.com, or click here.

The South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL and the Washington Capitals of the NHL have renewed their affiliation for the 2007-08 season. The extension also applies to the American Hockey League's Hershey Bears for a third consecutive season.

"We are excited to have extended our affiliation with South Carolina as the Stingrays prepare to celebrate their 15th season," Capitals vice president and general manager George McPhee said. "Our prospects have had a terrific experience with the Stingrays, and we look forward to continue working together."

Last season, the Stingrays received six players who were under contract with the Capitals, including 2005 NHL 1st round pick Sasha Pokulok.

"Our affiliation and relationship with the Capitals has certainly grown over the last three years," Stingrays Head Coach Jared Bednar said. "We hope to continue that success as we develop players for the next level."

South Carolina began their affiliation with Washington prior to the 2004-05 season. Since then, four players - Maxime Daigneault, Jonas Johansson, Daren Machesney, and Joey Tenute - have gone on to dress for the Capitals. Following their time in the Lowcountry, Tenute and 2006-07 Stingray Kyle Wilson signed NHL contracts with Washington.

The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jared Bednar announced today the re-signing of veteran defensemen Marc Busenburg and wing Nate Kiser. In keeping with club policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Busenburg, 29, played 35 games with the Stingrays last season, recording 5 goals and 15 assists for 20 points. He also saw action in 27 contests for the AHL's Hershey Bears, registering 3 points (0g, 3a)

"Marc's got a lot of experience at the American League level," Bednar said. "He's a tremendous two-way player. He's very solid and logs a lot of ice time. We're ecstatic to get him back."

In seven seasons as a professional, the 6-foot-1, 185-pound blueliner has accumulated 106 points (29g, 77a) in 414 career games in the ECHL (South Carolina), AHL (Hershey, Rochester, Springfield), UHL (Adirondack), WCHL (San Diego), and Sweden (Skelleftea).

Prior to turning pro, the Worcester, Mass. Native spent four years at the University of Connecticut, tallying 44 points (11g, 33a) in 117 games at the collegiate level.

Kiser, 25, led South Carolina with a +14 plus/minus rating and a career-high 222 penalty minutes, which ranked seventh in the ECHL. In 64 games, the Southgate, Mich. native collected five goals and 15 assists for a career-high 20 points.

"He adds a lot of toughness to our blueline," Bednar said of Kiser. "He's miserable to play against and kills a lot of penalties for us. He does a tough job protecting our skilled guys and does it with a touch of class."

In four seasons as a professional, Kiser has posted 61 points (12g, 49a) and 761 penalty minutes in 257 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.

Where Are They Now?

Name: Joel Irving

Year(s) with Stingrays: 2000-2003, 2005-06

Jersey Number: 36

Position: Right Wing

Nickname: "Swirvin"

Currently Residing: Lumsden, Saskatchewan....with a lot of traveling!

Children: Hannah, 3 years old

Current Occupation: Pro Hockey Player

What is your fondest Stingrays memory?

Winning the Kelly Cup in front of a home crowd...Robin Gomez's five minute fight...Coach Adduono getting Dave Seitz in shape before he lit up the playoffs....Working with Berkeley Electric and doing promotions around Charleston.

At 31, you had one of your best years as a pro last season. To what do you attribute your success?

Being in shape and focused on the first day of training camp and not worrying about anything but my job on the ice.

Do you still keep in contact with any of your former Stingrays teammates?

Scott Swanson and I are still good friends. I keep in touch with Marty Clapton, Trevor Johnson and I still see Robin Gomez during the year. I played against Coach Adduono in Long Beach last year and we chatted a few times.

What do you miss the most about your playing days in South Carolina?

I have a lot of great fans and friends around that area... they have always been good to me ...I also miss the golf !!!

Any regrets?

I did regret being traded but not anymore. Everything happens for a reason and I have really enjoyed my time and years out west.

Anything you'd like to say to Stingrays fans who might read this?

I wish the organization great success! They have a new start with a dedicated coach so I hope it works out. Thank you for the great support over the years!

Interested in advertising with the Stingrays?

Be a part of history by placing an ad in the Stingrays 15th Year Anniversary Yearbook.

For only $500 your company will receive:

1/4 page black and white advertisement

40 tickets to opening night on Oct. 20

Mention in the Weekly E-blast

Inclusion on the Stingrays website all season

Sign up today by contacting the front office at 744-2248.

The Stingrays would like to recognize Benitos Brick Oven New York Pastaria as a continued sponsor. A special thank you to Benitos for their continued support of hockey in the Low Country!

The Stingrays would like to welcome our newest Season Ticket Holders:

Larry Baxter

Joy Beemer

Brian Bennett

Joe Biondolillo

Brandon Bontell

Thank you for your support this season!

Where Are They Now?

Every Friday, Joe Shetrom checks in with a former Stingrays player. To see who he's caught up with, please check out www.stingrayshockey.com

KID'S CLUB!

The South Carolina Stingrays Kids Club is Back! Sign up now for just $25 and receive two (2) free tickets to a Stingrays game, a t-shirt, lanyard, membership card, coupons, discounts, prizes, and more! For more information on all the great things you get with being part of the Kids Club, contact Ashley Hoffman at 744-2248 x1204 or at ahoffman@stingrayshockey.com.

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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.

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