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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CapitalFanatic.com Visits the Stingrays

Capital Fanatic

Charleston, SCThe Stingrays won in dramatic fashion Saturday night. Travis Morin tallied what seemed to be the game winner halfway through the third period on a power play wrist shot from the slot. But a turnover by defenseman Nate Kiser led to the tying goal with a little bit less than five minutes to go. Kiser would redeem himself in overtime as he notched the game winner on a "laser" of a shot from the point as described by head coach Jared Bednar. For the complete game recap check out the Charleston Post and Courier. Also, this is a good chance to welcome Andrew Miller into the blogosphere with his blog Rays the Roof covering everything about the South Carolina Stingrays.

(Stingrays Head Coach Jared Bednar behind the bench)

Here was coach Jared Bednar's thoughts on the win after the game:



Having won their 5th straight playoff game, here is Bednar's response to the question of whether his team has a can't loose mentality:



Bednar's thoughts on Monday night's game at Gwinnett and the chance to close out the Gladiators:



Bednar on the team's first line and also the unsung heroes of the game:



Bednar on the Capitals prospects (Travis Morin, Sean Collins, Sasha Pokulok, and Stephen Werner) in South Carolina:



Bednar on the Caps run at the end of the season:



And lastly, the Stingrays found themselves in the same position the Caps are in during their 1st round matchup with the Augusta Lynx, having to win 3 straight games in order to advance. Here is Bednar's advice for the Caps:



Here are some photos of the Caps prospects from the game:


Sasha Pokulok


Travis Morin


Stephen Werner

So while the Caps are battling in Philadelphia tonight, keep an eye on the Stingrays boxscore as they try to sweep the Gladiators and move on to the next round.

CapitalFanatic.com is Heading to South Carolina!

That's right, while the Capitals are in the middle of their own playoff battle with the Flyers, the Stingrays have moved on to the second round of the ECHL playoffs after coming back from a 2-0 deficit to beat the Augusta Lynx 3-2 in their best of five first round matchup.

As a result, I'll be able to see game 2 of their matchup with the Gwinnett Gladiators in Charleston this weekend. Currently, the Stingrays have 4 Capitals prospects in their lineup:

D Sasha Pokulok
D Patrick McNeill
RW Stephen Werner
C Travis Morin

I'll be able to interview the coach Jared Bednar and players after the game. We all know how hard it is to find information on our prospects in South Carolina, so I pose the question to all you Caps fans out there. What questions would you like to have answered about our prospects with the Stingrays?

I'll have a full report next week.

Stingrays Update

I figured we could use some uplifting news today. So let's check in on our ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays. From the Charleston Post and Courier:

Stingrays survive, force decisive playoff game

By Andrew Miller

The Post and Courier

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

There's no such thing as a bad shot, just ask South Carolina Stingrays winger Trent Campbell.

Campbell got the game-winning goal less than four minutes into the second overtime period and Marty Guerin added two goals in regulation as South Carolina rallied to beat Augusta, 3-2, Tuesday night before a crowd of 1,849 at the North Charleston Coliseum.

With the victory, the Stingrays forced a fifth and deciding game in the best-of-five Kelly Cup Playoff series with the Lynx. Game 5 is tonight beginning at 7 at the North Charleston Coliseum.

Melissa Haneline
The Post and Courier

The South Carolina Stingrays' Marty Guerin (9) maneuvers with the puck during the first period against the August Lynx in Game 4 of their ECHL playoff series Tuesday at the North Charleston Coliseum.

South Carolina has thrown everything but the Zamboni driver at Augusta goalie Bobby Goepfert during the series, but the former Providence College star has been equal to the task.

So when Campbell's relatively weak shot from the left wing hit Goepfert's shoulder, bounced up and trickled down his back and past the goal line for the game-winning goal, no one was more surprised than Campbell.

"Between the periods, everyone kept talking about getting shots on net," said Campbell, who recorded his first goal of the series. "You're not going to score unless you shoot, and I was just trying to get something on net. Usually good things will happen for you if you get it on net, and finally we got a bounce to go our way."

The Stingrays' game-winner came on what at first appeared to be a harmless play. Stephen Werner got the puck to Campbell just outside the Stingrays' offensive zone. Campbell skated in and had to fight off Augusta defenseman Jamie McKinven just to get the shot off.

"I was trying to hold (McKinven) off and get something on net," Campbell said. "It certainly wasn't the hardest shot I've ever taken, but I guess it was hard enough to go in, and I'm not complaining. I saw the puck hit his arm, then his side, but I didn't see it go in."

The Stingrays came pouring off the bench to mob Campbell and celebrate the team's second overtime win in as many nights.

"There's no such thing as a bad shot, especially in overtime," said Stingrays captain Cail MacLean. "Anything on net in my opinion was going to be a good shot. We've really struggled to score on (Goepfert), so to finally get one past him was a great feeling."

After dropping the first two games of the series in Augusta, few gave the Stingrays a chance to rally back and send it into a decisive Game 5.

"Two days ago things were looking pretty bleak," said Stingrays coach Jared Bednar. "The guys in the locker room believed that we could get it done. An outsider looking in probably thought we had no chance to come back and force a Game 5. But we believed it and that's why we're still playing."

Rookie goalie Josh Johnson was solid again, stopping 27 of 29 shots, including a game-saving stop on Matt Christie in the final two minutes of regulation.

"Josh faced the pressure again and showed his mental toughness," MacLean said. "The save he made on Christie in the third period was the difference in the game. (Christie) makes that and the season is over for us."

The Stingrays got off to another fast start, scoring less than two minutes into the game on Guerin's third goal of the series.

"Marty has really shown what he can do offensively in this series," Bednar said. "He seems to have really come to life with Werner and Campbell."

The Lynx tied the game at 1 just before the end of the opening period on Travis Fuller's goal with just 1 second left.

The Lynx grabbed a 2-1 lead on Matt Auffrey's goal less than two minutes into the second period.

Guerin tied the game up at 2 on a great individual effort midway through the third period.

First Period: 1. SC, Guerin 3 (Campbell), 1:57. 2. A, Fuller 2 (Christie), 19:59. Penalties: Brooks, A (holding), 5:53; Campbell, SC (roughing), 5:53; Slattengren, A (holding) 7:28; Rawlyk, SC (tripping), 9:31.

Second Period: 3. A, Auffrey 2 (Christie), 2:42. Penalties: Battaglia, A (hooking), 4:27; Bench minor, A (too many men on the ice), 15:18.

Third Period: 4. SC, Guerin 4 (unassisted), 9:21. Penalties: MacLean, SC (holding), :48; Rawlyk, SC (goal-tender interference), 12:12; Collins, SC (hooking), 17:53; Slattengren, A (hooking), 18:25.

Overtime: No goals. Penalties: Veideman, A (holding), 15:06.

2nd Overtime: 5. SC, Campbell 1 (Werner, Pokulok), 3:36. Penalties: No penalties.

Shots on goal: Stingrays 7-12-13-10-1-43; Augusta 7-10-9-2-1-29. Penalties: Stingrays 5-10; Augusta 6-12. Power play: Stingrays 0 of 5; Augusta 0 of 4. Goalies: Stingrays -Josh Johnson (2-0-0) 29 shots, 27 saves. Augusta - Bobby Goepfert (2-2-0) 43 shots, 40 saves. Att: 1,849.

The Best Players in Stingrays History by Andrew Miller

Since coverage is so sparse, anytime I find information about our minor league teams I like to share it with you. Check out this article from Andrew Miller of The Post and Courier.


10 Years Of Exemplary Stingrays February 2, 2008


By Andrew Miller
The Post and Courier

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The ECHL is celebrating its 20th anniversary and the South Carolina Stingrays are commemorating their 15th season in the league.

It's also an anniversary of sorts for yours truly. This is my 10th season covering the team. My first campaign with the Stingrays came during the 1998-99 season when they went 40-20-10, finishing third in the Southeast Division and were bounced from the playoffs in the first round by Mississippi, which eventually went on to capture the Kelly Cup.

Over the last 10 seasons, the Stingrays made the playoffs eight straight seasons, won the 2001 Kelly Cup, while going through more than 300 players, 20 goaltenders, four team presidents and three head coaches.

From time to time, Stingrays fans will stop me on the concourse at the North Charleston Coliseum and ask me about my favorite all-time players. In honor of that, I'm going to pick my all-decade team (OK, so technically it's only been nine years, but who's counting).

You'll notice that some very prominent players were left off the team. Former Stingrays greats like Mike Ross or Jason Cipolla are not on this team because I never saw them play. Same is true for Jason Fitzsimmons, who was with the team as a head coach and assistant coach for nine seasons while I was on the beat, but never saw him between the pipes.

I also tried to pick only guys who had been on the team for at least one full season. So players like Jonas Johansson, Kyle Wilson and Marc Busenburg, who played for the Stingrays in only a handful of games, aren't included. Same is true for current Stingrays such as Travis Morin and Patrick McNeill, who certainly could have been considered for the team.

One other thing I tried to do was pick a team in every sense of the word. I didn't want an all-star team with guys who were just offensive in nature. Sure, there's plenty of firepower in the lineup, but this is a team that could play just about any style of hockey and still win.

Centers

Brett Marietti (1994-2003)
Mr. Stingray. Perhaps the best captain in ECHL history and winner of two Kelly Cup titles. A great two-way player, who could play in every situation. There's a reason his No. 24 jersey is up in the rafters of the North Charleston Coliseum.

Dave Seitz (1996-2004)
The franchise's all-time leading scorer and the best passer to ever put on a Stingrays jersey. Was the playoff MVP when the Stingrays won their second Kelly Cup title in 2001. His No. 14 jersey is up there next to Marietti's.

Greg Schmidt (1998-2001)
Maybe the most underrated and under-appreciated player in Stingrays history. Scored 68 goals in three seasons, mostly from the third line. Could kill penalties and was a top middleweight fighter when asked to drop the gloves.

Rich Peverley (2005)
Probably the most gifted overall offensive player in Stingrays history. A superb stick handler and skater and without the NHL lockout in 2004 would never have played in the ECHL. Has played in 25 games with Nashville Predators over the last two seasons.

Joey Tenute (2005)
Like Peverley, Tenute should never have been in the ECHL. Was the 2005 ECHL Rookie of the Year, leading the team with 75 points, including 34 goals. Tenute has one game in the NHL in 2006 with the Washington Capitals.

Wingers

Rob Concannon (1995-2000, 2003)
Every team needs an agitator. No one could get under the skin of opposing players, coaches and fans better than "Coo Coo". A fan favorite, Concannon had four straight 20-goal seasons and could kill penalties. Inducted into Stingrays Hall of Fame.

Ed Courtenay (1997, 2003-05)
Courtenay had a real nose for the net. Led the ECHL in scoring during the 1997 season with 110 points and led the team in scoring at age 35 during the 2004 season with 66 points. Inducted into Stingrays Hall of Fame.

Matt Reid (2004-present)
Stingrays fans hated Reid when he played in Pee Dee, but love him now. Few players have more of an impact on their teams than Reid. Plays every shift like it's his last.

Cail MacLean (2005-present)
A professional in every sense of the word. Can play in every situation and leads by example, still blocking shots at age 30. MacLean would be my captain on any other team without Marietti.

Adam Calder (1999-2003)
The Stingrays' top scorer on their 2001 Kelly Cup team. A favorite among his teammates, but was the only player who was truly happy when he was miserable.

Jason Sessa (1999-2002)
Sessa led the Stingrays in goals with 34 on the 2001 Kelly Cup team. Was perhaps the best pure goal-scorer in Stingrays history. Sessa and Seitz were a lethal combination on the ice.

Marty Clapton (2000-06)
Clapton won Kelly Cup titles with both Hampton Roads (1998) and the Stingrays (2001). Clapton could also play on defense, which is why he's got a spot on this team.

Marc Tardif (1995-200)
Every team needs a tough guy and few came tougher than Tardif. Tardif wasn't just a goon. He could play a regular shift and he loved to throw his body around on the ice. Tardif was also capable of chipping in offensively.

Defense

Jared Bednar (1995-97, 1999-2002)
The toughest player ever to put on a Stingrays uniform. A solid defensive player that other teams hated to play against.

Paul Traynor (1998, 2002)
Only played in 72 games and didn't record a single goal in two seasons with the Stingrays. But was the best stay-at-home defenseman in last 10 seasons for the Stingrays. Other teams just didn't score when Traynor was on the ice.

Trevor Johnson (2000-06)
A former Stingrays captain who loved to play the body. Bad shoulders limited what he could do on the ice at times, but a tough, gritty defenseman.

Chris Hynnes (1996-99)
Hynnes had an absolute cannon from the point on the power play. Had 60 goals in three seasons for the Stingrays. Enough said.

Brad Dexter (1996-2001)
The best offensive-defenseman in Stingrays history. A superior stick handler and fantastic skater. He loved to join the rush, which would get him in trouble at least once a game. Dexter was an underrated defensive player. Should be in the Stingrays Hall of Fame.

Mark Ardelan (2005)
Another player who wouldn't have been with the Stingrays without the NHL lockout. An offensive force on the blue line in a similar mold to Dexter.

Nate Kiser (2004-present)
Kiser is the most improved player in Stingrays history. Came to the Stingrays predominantly as a tough guy, but has become a solid two-way defenseman over the last three seasons.

Goalies

Kirk Daubenspeck (1999-2001, 2002-06)
Daubenspeck was the best "big-game" goalie in Stingrays history. Just ask Cail MacLean, who played against the Stingrays during their 2001 Kelly Cup title run. Dauber doesn't have eye-popping statistics, but knows how to win, which is all that matters.

Davis Parley (2005-present)
Every team that wins a championship needs two quality goalies. If Parley hangs around long enough, he'll break all of Daubenspeck's records.

Copyright © 1997 - 2007 the Evening Post Publishing Co.

Sunday Thoughts

The Capitals have won three straight and find themselves only three points back of the division leading Hurricanes. And with that important note, here are my "Sunday Thoughts":

• What an important and opportunistic week this will be for the Caps. They go into Monday night's matchup in Pittsburgh having lost six straight games to the Penguins. However, this isn't the same Washington team and they won't be facing the same Pittsburgh team. Sidney Crosby is out indefinitely (a month, perhaps even more) with the dreaded high ankle sprain. Following that, the Caps begin a home-and-home series with the lowly Toronto Maple Leafs. Six more points adding up to a six game winning streak is not out of the question. My prediction: Washington will be the division leader by the end of the week.

• Viktor Kozlov broke out of his season long goal scoring slump by tallying twice in last night's victory. The success of Washington's second half of the season can be helped dramatically by the improved scoring output of the big russian winger. My prediction: Kozlov will resemble the player he was with the Islanders last season and finish the year with 20 goals.

• Michael Nylander's injury could be the best thing that has happened in Nicklas Backstrom's short career. Backstrom had a career high four points (all assists) in last night's victory, and is proving to everybody that he is already playing like a number one center in this league. With Nylander out for the season, Backstrom will receive more ice-time and will play the rest of the season with Ovechkin. My prediction: Backstrom goes on a tear during the second half of the season, finishes the year with 20 goals, 50 assists and the Calder Trophy.

• The Capitals number two and three centers, Boyd Gordon and Dave Steckel, combined to win 70% (28-40) of their faceoffs last night. Gordon has provided the team with a defensive-minded second line option to complement the flashy Fleischmann and Semin, while Steckel makes up the team's shut down line with Matt Bradley and Quintin Laing. My prediction: these two lines make up the backbone of the Caps run to the playoffs which will see the team win the Southeast Division and host a 1st round matchup against the (Flyers?). How exciting would that be?

• The Stingrays shut out the Augusta Lynx last night 2-0 in front of a record crowd of 10,565 in the North Charleston Coliseum. It was the team's 4th straight win. Capitals prospect Travis Morin added an assist on the team's 1st goal giving him 43 points in just 36 games in the ECHL. He'll be the team's lone representative in the All-Star game this Wednesday in Stockton, CA which can be seen live on the NHL Network.

Stingrays Quietly Putting Together an Impressive Season

They are the little brother of the Washington Capitals, sometimes forgotten because of the success of their big brother, the Hershey Bears. But the Stingrays are making their case to receive more attention this season.

After missing out on the postseason last year for the first time in the franchise's 14-year history, the team is doing everything in it's power to get back there. First year head coach Jared Bednar led the Stingrays to a 12-game winning streak through December and early January. And after the streak ended in Florida, all the team did was win two out of three games in Texas against the best team in the league.

Coming into last Sunday's game, the Wildcatters had a 23 game point streak (18-0-5) and the ECHL's best record with a stunning mark of 27-3-2-4. The teams had already split the first two games of a three game weekend series with the Stingrays winning in overtime on Friday night 4-3, and the Wildcatters responding on Saturday with a 4-2 victory.

On Sunday, the Stingrays jumped out to a 3-0 lead on their way to a 4-2 victory officially ending the Wildcatters impressive unbeaten run. The third goal of that game was a shorthanded goal scored by Travis Morin, who has been impressive in his first professional season out of Minnesota State. He currently has 17 goals, 22 assists, for 39 points in 34 games with South Carolina, and he'll be a part of the ECHL All-Star game later this month on January 23rd.

Besides Morin, four other Capitals prospects have spent time this season with the ECHL club. Maryland native Stephen Werner, undrafted prospect Steve Pinizzotto, defensive prospect Patrick McNeill, and forward Andrew Gordon out of St. Cloud State.

After their impressive trip to Texas, the Stingrays returned home and defeated the Augusta Lynx 5-1 Tuesday night to move into sole possession of second place in the South Division. Veteran Cail MacLean and rookie Pierre-Luc O'Brien each had 3 assists in the win, and recent Hershey Bears callup Grant McNeill added his second goal of the season.

The partnership between the Capitals, Bears, and Stingrays has to be viewed as one of the best in hockey. So while the Bears are looking for their 3rd straight trip to the Calder Cup this spring, don't forget about the Stingrays down the stretch as they look for their 5th Kelly Cup Championship in team history.

Stingrays Announce Opening Night Roster

Let's try to forget about that debacle of a game last night by taking a look at the Capitals "AA" team. This is how they will start their 15th anniversary season. Click on each player for career statistics.

Caps Prospects include: Patrick McNeill, D; Steve Pinizzotto, RW; Stephen Werner, RW; Travis Morin, C;

Now for the rest of the roster.

The Forwards: Bryan Esner, RW; Tom Maxwell, F; Marty "Cap Killer Bill" Guerin, RW; Chris Chaput, C/W; Captain Cail MacLean, RW; Pierre-Luc O'Brien, C; Matt Reid, LW; Matt Scherer, RW; Paul McIlveen, C/W;
The Defensemen: Tim Judy, Nate Kiser, Grant McNeill, Scott Romfo, T.J. McElroy
The Goalies: Josh Johnson, Davis Parley

For the rest of the teams' opening night rosters click here.

Stingrays Announce Pre-Season Games

From StingraysHockey.com:

For the first time, the Stingrays will play two home exhibition games at the Carolina Ice Palace in preparation for their regular season opener October 20 against the Columbia Inferno. The dates, opponents and times for the contests are: Friday, October 12 versus the Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m., and Sunday, October 14 against the Augusta Lynx at 4 p.m.

South Carolina Stingrays Add Two

A tough guy in Nate Kiser and a solid defenseman in Marc Busenburg. Read the whole story here.

What Ever Happened to Brad Church?

Friday, March 23rd 2007

Remember him? The Capitals former 1st round pick back in 1995. Here's a look at what he's up to today. Article courtesy of phxroadrunners.com. (Photo Courtesy of ECHL.com)

The Phoenix RoadRunners of the ECHL, an affiliate of the Phoenix Coyotes and the San Antonio Rampage, have announced that Head Coach and Assistant General Manager Ron Filion has resigned effective immediately. Assistant Coach Brad Church has been named the RoadRunners’ head coach for the remainder of the regular season and the ECHL Kelly Cup Playoffs.

“We are a better hockey team than our record has shown over the past two months, but based on recent performances, I felt it was in the best interest of both the RoadRunners’ organization and its fans to step down as head coach at this time with the hope that the players can once again start playing to their potential,” said Filion. “I wish the team continued success over their final eight games, and hopefully look forward to watching them compete in the upcoming playoffs."

Filion was named the first head coach of the ECHL’s incarnation of the RoadRunners on Feb. 28, 2005. He leaves the club with a record of 45-81-10.

“We thank Ron for his tireless efforts and the professionalism he has shown over the past two years,” said Rick Welts, Phoenix Suns President and Chief Operating Officer. “Without his hard work from the beginning, the return of the RoadRunners to the sports landscape in Phoenix could not have been achieved.”

Church, 30, was named the RoadRunners’ Assistant Coach on Jul. 24, 2006. Prior to coming to Phoenix, the Dauphin, Manitoba native closed out an illustrious 10-year professional playing career in 2005-06 by capturing his first professional championship as a member of the Kalamazoo Wings of the United Hockey League. Selected by the Washington Capitals with the 17th overall pick at the 1995 NHL Entry Draft, Church spent a bulk of his playing career in the American Hockey League with the Portland Pirates, the Capitals former primary affiliate. Church made his NHL debut with Washington on Dec. 16, 1997 against the New York Islanders, and appeared in two games with the Capitals that season.

“I am looking forward to this opportunity,” said Church. “We are in a great position to clinch the organization’s first playoff berth, and I will expect nothing less than hard work and dedication from our players in order to achieve that goal.”

His career numbers courtesy of hockeydb.com.

Brad Church

Left Wing Born Nov 14 1976 -- Dauphin, MAN Height 6.01 -- Weight 210 -- Shoots L

Selected by Washington Capitals round 1 #17 overall 1995 NHL Entry Draft

			Regular Season					Playoffs
Season	Team	Lge	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
1992-93	Dauphin Kings	MJHL	Statistics Unavailable
1993-94	Prince Albert Raiders	WHL	71	33	20	53	197	--	--	--	--	--
1994-95	Prince Albert Raiders	WHL	62	26	24	50	184	15	6	9	15	32
1995-96	Prince Albert Raiders	WHL	69	42	46	88	123	18	15	20	35	74
1996-97	Portland Pirates	AHL	50	4	8	12	92	1	0	0	0	0
1997-98	Portland Pirates	AHL	59	6	5	11	98	9	2	4	6	14
1997-98	Washington Capitals	NHL	2	0	0	0	0	--	--	--	--	--
1998-99	Hampton-Roads Admirals	ECHL	24	10	9	19	129	--	--	--	--	--
1998-99	New Orleans Brass	ECHL	5	3	4	7	4	11	1	1	2	22
1998-99	Portland Pirates	AHL	10	1	3	4	18	--	--	--	--	--
1998-99	Hamilton Bulldogs	AHL	9	0	2	2	4	--	--	--	--	--
1999-00	Hampton-Roads Admirals	ECHL	11	4	3	7	31	--	--	--	--	--
1999-00	Portland Pirates	AHL	56	9	17	26	52	4	1	1	2	4
2000-01	Portland Pirates	AHL	61	14	18	32	90	3	1	1	2	18
2001-02	Richmond Renegades	ECHL	8	6	5	11	13	--	--	--	--	--
2001-02	Portland Pirates	AHL	45	6	13	19	52	--	--	--	--	--
2001-02	Lowell Lock Monsters	AHL	9	2	2	4	2	4	0	0	0	4
2002-03	Richmond Renegades	ECHL	64	29	45	74	121	--	--	--	--	--
2002-03	Cleveland Barons	AHL	8	1	0	1	4	--	--	--	--	--
2003-04	Reading Royals	ECHL	56	22	19	41	91	15	4	5	9	20
2003-04	Manchester Monarchs	AHL	11	5	6	11	0	--	--	--	--	--
2004-05	Florida Everblades	ECHL	62	23	31	54	62	19	5	7	12	40
2005-06	Missouri River Otters	UHL	15	4	3	7	11	--	--	--	--	--
2005-06	Kalamazoo Wings	UHL	33	9	18	27	51	7	1	0	1	4
	NHL Totals		2	0	0	0	0

Big Weekend For the 'Rays

Monday, March 12th 2007

The South Carolina Stingrays won all three of their games this weekend, an impressive feat considering their thin lineup due to injuries and callups to Hershey. The wins moved them in front of the Charlotte Checkers and into the final playoff position in the South Division. They lead the Checkers by 2 points and trail the Augusta Lynx by only 2 points for fourth place. The Stingrays got a boost to their lineup as Cail MacLean was activated from the disabled list before Saturday night’s win over Reading. (Photo Courtesy of www.stingrayshockey.com)

Some more roster moves were made on Monday as the Stingrays lost one of their leading scorers while receiving another back in return. Cam McCaffrey was recalled to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, his first callup to the AHL this year. He has yet to record a point in 22 career games in the AHL, 19 with the Portland Pirates during the ‘04-’05 season and 3 last year with the Hershey Bears. Matt Reid was returned to the team despite the fact that he recorded 3 assists in Hershey’s 5-3 win at the Manchester Monarchs Friday night.

The Stingrays received some bad news as they lost defenseman Sasha Pokoluk during Friday night’s game after he received a hard hit. The injury could become a concern for the highly touted prospect as he missed the first four months of the season after suffering a concussion while playing in the Hershey Bears opening game. Journeyman defenseman Tim Judy was also released today.

The moves come as the Stingrays start an important stretch of five games in six nights beginning Tuesday night in Florida. During that stretch they will play the second place Everblades three straight times. These games will decide once and for all whether or not this will be a playoff team.

Caps/Hurricanes Preview

Carolina Hurricanes (33-28-7, 73 points)
at
Washington Capitals (24-31-12, 60 points)

Television: Comcast SportsNet
Radio: WTNT 570-AM
Gametime: 7:30 PM ET


Friday, March 9, 2007

The Caps have a chance to play the role of spoiler tonight as they host their division rivals, the Carolina Hurricanes. The defending Stanley Cup champions are on the outside looking in as the tight for the final playoff positions in the Eastern Conference heats up. The Hurricanes find themselves tied with the New York Rangers and the Toronto Maple Leafs for 8th place but would currently lose a tiebreaker to the Rangers.

Fatigue should not be a factor for both clubs heading into the matchup. Carolina has not played since they fell to the Thrashers 3-1 last Sunday in Atlanta, while the Caps have had 2 days off to think about their loss Tuesday night in Toronto.

Washington should get a much needed boost to their lineup as their captain Chris Clark and checking line specialist Boyd Gordon have both been cleared to play. Clark has missed the last six games with a sprained shoulder while Gordon missed the last 2 with a sore knee. The team is still without their franchise goaltender Olie Kolzig and winger Matt Pettinger, although Tarik El-Bashir of the Washington Post had reported that Kolzig was supposed to have practiced today, taking shots for the first time since his injury. No report on whether or not that did occur.

The game will mark the last meeting of the season between these two teams at the Verizon Center. They'll still play once more at Carolina on the 22nd of March. They're last meeting was a 7-3 drubbing by the Capitals on January 27th thanks to 2 goals by Alexander Semin and Eric Fehr's 1st career NHL goal. That came just one day after the Hurricanes beat up the Caps in Raleigh 6-2 in the first game after the all-star break.

While Carolina will most likely be without left wing Ray Whitney and defenseman Bret Hedican with lower body injuries, they should get winger Eric Cole back after he was activated from the disabled list yesterday. Cole has missed the past seven games with multiple hip injuries, first a contusion then a torn muscle. His 25 goals and 26 assists will be a another offensive weapon for the Capitals to deal with.

Down on the Farm:

The South Carolina Stingrays came up with a big victory over the Charlotte Checkers on the road last night. The 6-2 moves the Stingrays just two points behind Charlotte in the battle for the fifth and final playoff position in the South Division. The Stingrays got 2 goals from Chris Chaput and 3 assists from Peter Szabo to pace the offensive attack. It was an impressive victory considering how short handed the team currently is thanks to injuries and recent callups. Check out Mike Vogel's blog Dump and Chase for a behind the scenes look at the ECHL franchise as he spends the week with the team.

A Viktor Dovgan Interview

An interview with the Capitals' young defensive prospect courtesy of The Post and Courier at www.Charleston.net.

One-on-One with Viktor Dovgan

(Photo Courtesy of www.ECHL.com)

South Carolina Stingrays rookie Viktor Dovgan is playing his first season of professional hockey in the United States. A native of Moscow, Dovgan was a seventh-round draft pick of the Washington Capitals in 2005. Dovgan is taking classes to improve his English, but needed the help of interpreter Walter Jankov when he went one-on-one with The Post and Courier's Andrew Miller.

What do you think of the United States?
"I love America. I love playing here. The United States is much cleaner than Russia.
All the people are very nice."

What do you like the most about Charleston?
"I haven't seen as much of Charleston as I would like. I would like to get out more and see more of the city. I love the people here in Charleston. I love the weather. In Moscow right now, it's very cold, so I'm glad to be here."

You and your wife (Oksana) had a baby boy in December. What's it like to be a new father?
"I love it. It's super. I don't see Ilya enough. He and Oksana are back in Moscow, but every time I'm on the ice he is in my heart. I miss him ? a lot. It's very tough to be away from him."

Why didn't you bring Oksana to the U. S.?
"When I signed with Washington, Oksana was pregnant, so I couldn't bring her with me. I'm on the road all the time now, so it's probably best that she didn't come this season. But it's tough. I miss her.
I miss Ilya. I went home to Moscow to see them over Christmas. I was there about two weeks. It was very difficult to leave them and come back to play hockey.

You've scored three goals this season. What was it like to get your first professional goal?
"It was super. I got a beautiful pass from Cail MacLean and I took the shot and I was lucky it went in."

Do you consider yourself more of an offensive defenseman or a stay-at-home defenseman?
"I think of myself as more of an offensive defenseman. I like to join the rush and get into the play."

Is the hockey played differently in North America?
"In North America, once you get to the blue line you have to give up the puck and dump it in and then everyone goes and chases it. In Russia, you don't do that. You get to the blue line and you don't dump the puck. You skate with the puck, you move the puck and try to make plays."

Capitalism or Communism?
"No communism. Capitalism ( laughing)."

Mikhail Gorbachev or Vladimir Putin?
"Putin."

Anna Kournikova or Maria Sharapova?
"I love Sharapova."

Who was your favorite Russian player growing up?
"Sergei Gonchar. I like the way he moved the puck. I liked Darius Kasparaitis as well."

What's your favorite American music?
"I like rap. No country."

Do you have an iPod and how many songs do you have?
"Yes. About 400. I've got some American music and some Russian music on there."

Got a favorite American movie?
"I mostly like comedies. But I liked Spider Man, too."

What was the feeling in Russia about the 1980 ?Miracle on Ice' Olympic hockey game between the United States and the Soviet Union?
"I think the Russian team took the U. S. too lightly. They didn't think the Americans could beat them. Some people in Russia think they lost the game on purpose to make their coach look bad. I don't think so. They just underestimated the college players. They came on the ice and didn't think they could lose."

Stingrays Fall to Lynx in OT

Augusta Lynx 2, South Carolina 1 F/OT
Boxscore
(Photo Courtesy of www.augustalynx.com)

Trailing 1-0 heading into the 3rd period, the Stingrays we able to rally and tie the game just five minutes in on a goal by center Brendan Bernakevitch. He deflected a Matt Stephanishion shot past goaltender Dave McKee for his 14th of the season, sending the game into the extra frame. The Lynx took advantage of an Evan Schwabe high-sticking double minor to tally the game winning goal by Louis Goulet, his 21st of the season.

The point received for the overtime loss was enough to move the Stingrays into sole possession of fifth place in the South Division, four points behind the fourth place Lynx and eleven points behind the division leading Texas Wildcatters.

South Carolina is now off until Friday when they return home to host the Charlotte Checkers in a game the Stingrays will need to stay ahead of the Checkers in the South Division standings.

Stingrays/Lynx ECHL Preview: Busenburg Returns

South Carolina Stingrays (26-19-1-4, 57 points)

at
Augusta Lynx (29-21-1-1, 60 points)

Television: B2Networks

Radio: ESPN 910-AM

Gametime: 7:35 PM ET

The Hershey Bears announced today that they have reassigned defenseman Marc Busenburg(Pictured) to South Carolina. He played in 22 games with the Bears while recording 2 assists and 2 penalty minutes. His numbers with the Stingrays earlier this season were much better as he had 4 goals and 7 assists for 11 points in just 18 games.

(Photo Courtesy of www.stingrayshockey.com)

With the recent return of injured defenseman Brian Pothier and John Erskine to the Capitals, a trickle down effect led to Mike Green being sent to the Bears, and left no more room for Busenburg in Hershey. He will be a welcomed addition to a Stingrays blue line that allowed 13 goals in 3 games over the weekend, all resulting in losses. South Carolina returns to action tonight in Augusta to take on a Lynx team that is currently three points ahead of them in the South Division.

Captain MacLean Leads Comeback, Stingrays Fall in OT

Charlotte Checkers 4, South Carolina Stingrays 3 F/OT

Boxscore

Trailing 3-1 heading into the third period, Stingrays’ Captain Cail MacLean tallied his second goal of the night and an assist on a goal by Evan Schwabe to send the game into overtime tied at 3. Charlotte’s 6 foot 6 center Bruce Graham (pictured) ruined the comeback attempt when he netted his 3rd goal of the night 1:55 seconds into the extra frame to give the Checkers the much needed two points for the victory.

The game marked the sixth time out of seven games this season that a contest between these two teams was decided by just one goal. The win moved Charlotte to within one point of the fifth place Stingrays in the South Division. South Carolina is now nine points behind the division leading Texas Wildcatters. They return to action tonight when the Florida Everblades come to town for the first of two back-to-back games.

Stingrays/Checkers ECHL Preview

South Carolina Stingrays (24-17-0-3, 51 points)
at
Charlotte Checkers (24-16-1-2, 51 points)

Television: B2Networks
Radio: ESPN Radio 910-AM
Gametime: 7:00 PM ET


The Stingrays and Checkers head into tonight's contest currently tied for fifth place in the South Division and sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 51 points each. It will be the sixth meeting between the two teams this season with Charlotte holding the slight 3-2 edge to date.

It will be the Stingrays first game since defeating the Columbia Inferno last Saturday 4-3. Tonight will also bring an end to what can be described as a successful long road trip of six games, as they have posted a 3-2 record so far. They'll return home Saturday night to host the Dayton Bombers from the North Charleston Coliseum.

Charlotte has also been playing well as of late posting a 7-2-1 record over their last ten games. However they are coming off of a 3-1 loss to to the last place Pensacola Ice Pilots last Saturday night. They will also enter the game a little short handed as defenseman Corey Potter was recently recalled to the Checkers AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. In 43 games Potter had posted 6 goals and 13 assists with Charlotte.

Minor Happenings

The Washington Capitals announced today that goaltender Daren Machesney has been reassigned to the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. Machesney, who posted a 3-3-1 record with a 3.18 goals against average and a .887 save percentage in 10 games with the Hershey Bears, rejoins the team he began the season with. Before his recall he was 2-5-0 with a 3.24 goals against average and an .878 save percentage with the Stingrays. He will most likely return to his position of backing up starting goaltender Davis Parley. Injuries to Hershey goaltenders Freddy Cassivi and Maxime Daigneault forced his emergency recall. With the Bears acquisition of goalie Nolan Schaefer from the Worcester Sharks, and the pending return of Cassivi from his broken collarbone, there was no more room for him on the roster.

South Carolina also announce that defenseman Donny Grover has been recalled by Hershey. Grover was one of only two Stingrays players to have played in all 42 games this season posting 8 goals and 15 assists while having a -6 defensive rating. Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons had this to say: (from Stingrayshockey.com)

"It's a great opportunity for Donny," Fitzsimmons said. "He's under contract with Hershey, so hopefully he can go up there and make a good impression. With only five defensemen it comes at a bad time for us, but developing players is what this league is all about."

At the same time the Stingrays announced that they have signed defenseman Jeff Moor to take Grover's place on the roster. Moor participated in the team's training camp this season before signing with the Columbus Cottonmouths of the SPHL. While there he posted 2 goals and 7 assists to go along with 135 penalty minutes in 25 games. He should provide the team with a solid physical presence.

Both teams return to action tomorrow night with road games. Hershey will be at the Hartford Wolf Pack, gametime 7:00 PM ET. South Carolina will be at the Gwinnett Gladiators in Duluth, Georgia, gametime 7:20 PM ET. Both games can be seen live online for only $6.00 via b2networks.

Around the NHL

Here are some good articles from issues around the NHL. Read, rate, and discuss.

1. Everyone is talking about the state of the Pittsburgh Penguins and their talk of relocating the franchise. But there is another franchise that arguably is worse shape, the Florida Panthers. An ESPN article by Damien Cox describes their troubles.
   
2. The Edmonton Oilers are in involved in talks for a new arena to replace the aging Rexall Place. They have seven years remaining on their current lease and would like to move into a new downtown arena at that time.
3. Sean Burke has a new home after being claimed on waivers by the Los Angeles Kings.
4. The highly debated Rail Cam will be used during the NHL All-Star game, and will be available in HD.
5. Speaking of the All-Star game, Joe Sakic and Brendan Shanahan were named All-Star captains.
6. The AHL All-Star game will be broadcast to over 100 million homes throughout the US and Canada.
7. The American Conference defeated the National Conference 6-3 in the ECHL All-Star game last night. The game was available free of charge via b2networks.
8. I refuse to come to a conclusion about the new uniforms until a see more about them. But here's an article on what Gary Bettman has to say about them.
9. A nice article on the Hershey Bears recapping their first half of the season. It also announces that Coach Bruce Boudreau will return next season to the Bears as the Capitals have picked up their option in his contract.