Stingrays Secure Net with Signing of Johnson, Goepfert

The goaltending situation for the Capitals organization will be an interesting one to keep an eye on this fall. The Caps seem set with Jose Theodore and Brent Johnson in net. But where their three prospects, Simeon Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth, and Daren Machesney play will be another story. In order to ensure enough playing time, one of the three will have to find another place to play. Will the South Carolina Stingrays be the place for Varlamov or Neuvirth this season, possibly. But in the meantime, the Stingrays have solidified their goaltending for the upcoming season.

From the Stingrays:

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 (171^st 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.
Stingrays Hockey – A Whole Lot Cooler!

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

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

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

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

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

2007-08  SC Stingrays          ECHL   38  2229  104   3  2  2.80  23  13   1  1030  0.908

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Bobby Goepfert
Goalie
Born May 9 1983  -- Kings Park, NY
Height 5.10 -- Weight 170 -- Shoots L

Selected by Pittsburgh Penguins round 6 #171 overall 2002 NHL Entry Draft

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

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2000-01  Cedar Rapids          USHL   45  2565  125   4  1  2.92  25  12   4  1360  0.916

2001-02  Cedar Rapids          USHL   51  2918   99   4  8  2.04  27  16   5  1446  0.936

2002-03  Providence College    NCAA   13   754   30   0  1  2.39   6   6   1   365  0.924

2003-04  Providence College    NCAA   28  1637   69   0  2  2.53  15   9   3   772  0.918

2005-06  St. Cloud State       NCAA   38  2264   83   0  3  2.20  20  14   4  1010  0.924

2006-07  St. Cloud State       NCAA   35  2149   82   0  3  2.29  17  10   7  1004  0.924

2007-08  Augusta Lynx          ECHL   33  1798   78   3  3  2.60  16  15   1   811  0.912

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