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ECHL South Carolina Stingrays

Youth Movement Begins For Stingrays

July 14, 2004 - ECHL (ECHL)
South Carolina Stingrays News Release


NORTH CHARLESTON, SC South Carolina Stingrays Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today that the team has signed Kevin Spiewak, Aaron Power and Joey Tenute. Spiewak and Power will return for a second season with the Stingrays, while Joey Tenute becomes the first rookie signed by the franchise this season. The Rays now have eight players signed for the upcoming campaign.

"We are very pleased that we were able to sign three young players with this much talent" commented Fitzsimmons. "Kevin (Spiewak) and Aaron (Power) proved their abilities as rookies last season and we feel positive that Joey (Tenute) can make a big impact as a rookie when the puck drops in October."

Kevin Spiewak (SPª-wak) paid immediate dividends last season for the Stingrays after completing a four year career at the University of North Dakota. The Schaumburg, Illinois native led all Ray's rookies in scoring with 20 goals and 30 assists for 50 points in 65 games. Spiewak's play earned him a trip to the ECHL All-Star game, where he won the league's fastest skater competition. He also spent four games with San Antonio of the AHL in his first season as a professional

Spiewak, a 5'10" –200 lb winger, netted 15 goals and added 14 assists for 29 points in 42 games, as a senior with the Fighting Sioux.

"Kevin had a tremendous rookie year and scored 20 goals for us," said Fitzsimmons. "We expect him to be a feature player in our offense this season and finish among the league leaders in point. His speed is unmatched at this level and his ability to think the game helps him to get into scoring situations with great regularity."

Aaron Power spent last season with the Stingrays after earning a contract with the New York Islanders in training camp a year ago. Power, played in 65 games for the Stingrays, scoring seven goals and adding 16 assists as a rookie. Power played junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with Barrie and Sarnia, before beginning his professional career with South Carolina. The 6'-0" 190 lb defenseman joins Steve Spencer as the second blue liner signed by the Rays this season.

"Aaron and Steve did not play defense like rookies last season," noted Stingrays Assistant Coach Jared Bednar. "Aaron has a great shot and an ability to make the smart pass, but he also plays with an edge and makes life tough on his opponents in his own zone. He is going to be one of the top young defensemen in the ECHL this season."

Joey Tenute (TE-noot) was a teammate of Power with the Barrie Colts and the Sarnia Sting of the OHL. The offensive minded center had his best junior season in 2002-03 when he racked up 112 points in 68 games on 41 goals and 71 assists. Tenute (5'9" -180) was a 2003 draft pick of the New Jersey Devils in the eighth round.

"Joey is going to be an exciting player for our fans to come and see play," explained Fitzsimmons. "He has put up some huge numbers in Junior and has a bright future ahead of him as a professional. He is very creative in the offensive zone and is a threat to score and find the open man."

The Stingrays will drop the puck against the Charlotte Checkers on October 23rd to open their home schedule. The Rays have teamed up with the South Carolina Education Lottery to give three lucky fans in attendance on opening night 1,000 chances at winning a minimum of 10 million dollars. Fans that purchase season ticket packages for as little as $55.50 will be given even more chances to win. For more information on season, group or fundraiser packs for that night or any other home date, fans can contact the Stingrays office at 744-2248.

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