Ted's Excited About the State of the Team

I can honestly say this is the most comfortable I have felt with our team since we bought it from Mr Pollin; we have so many options–so many good young players–so many seasoned vets; so many prospects who can push the vets and will make Hershey a very good team this year.

I share Ted Leonsis' enthusiasm about the current state of the Washington Capitals organization. And when I say organization I mean the Caps, Bears, and Stingrays. This team has never had the depth, in both veterans and quality prospects, that it does right now. Each team will have a chance to compete for their respective championships. And for the first time since the Caps were swept by the Red Wings in the cup finals, this has the feel of a Stanley Cup championship team. We have an exciting season of hockey ahead of us.

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

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

The Inferno Live to See Another Day

(Video courtesy of B2Networks)

The Stingrays were up against a team facing elimination, not only with their season on the line but possibly their franchise as well. The Columbia Inferno returned home Friday night trailing two games to none in the South Division Finals. Another loss and who knows when we might see the Inferno again as they will not be competing in the ECHL next season while they attempt to find a new arena to play in. In addition to that, the Carolina Coliseum's small ice surface, with a quality that makes the Verizon Center's ice sheet look state of the art, greatly favored the home team on their way to a 5-3 win in game 3.

Travis Morin had two 1st period power play goals for the 'Rays, but the Inferno also tallied two goals with the extra man as the teams finished the opening frame tied 2-2. The goals give Morin 9 so far in the post-season, a total that ties him with teammate Marty Guerin for the league lead.

The Inferno jumped ahead 3-2 just 2:28 into the 2nd period on a goal by Liam Huculak. But the Stingrays responded a little over halfway through the middle frame on a shorthanded goal by Trent Campbell, his 4th of the playoffs.

The game stayed tied until just under five minutes to go when Peter Tsimikalis scored directly off an offensive faceoff win for the Inferno, giving them a 4-3 lead. The Stingrays tried to rally late but an empty net goal by Tsimikalis put the game out of reach, meaning that game 4 will take place Saturday night with the 'Rays now holding a 2-1 series lead.

Check out the highlights of the game above which included a couple good fights at the end.

Guerin's Hat Trick Gives Stingrays 2-0 Series Lead

Marty Guerin

Photo: Mic Smith / The Post and Courier

Box Score

No, not that Guerin, Bill just finished up his first season as the captain of the New York Islanders. But Marty Guerin, a rookie out of Miami (Ohio) is proving to be a valuable asset to the South Carolina Stingrays this season. He now leads the ECHL with 9 goals during the post-season thanks to a hat trick in the 'Rays 5-2 win over the Columbia Inferno in game 2.

Andrew Gordon and Patrick McNeill also made their series debuts Tuesday night and both made an instant impact. Gordon got the scoring started with a short-handed goal 5:10 into the 1st period. Then after the Stingrays squandered a 2-0 lead, Gordon started what ended up being the key play of the game just 2:26 into the final period. He created a turnover in his own end thanks to an excellent lift check, then provided the outlet pass to Stephen Werner that send the 'Rays on a two-on-one break. Werner then found Guerin who beat Inferno goaltender Todd Ford for his second goal of the night. That goal ended up being the game-winner.

Patrick McNeill also added an assist on Travis Morin's power play goal that gave the Stingrays a 4-2 lead. The goal was Morin's 7th of the post-season putting him in second place in the ECHL behind his teammate Guerin.

The Stingrays outshot the Inferno 40-17 during the game. Davis Parley stopped 15 shots on his way to his 5th victory of the playoffs.

The win gives South Carolina a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Inferno with game 3 now shifting to Columbia on Friday. The 'Rays are just one win away from the Conference Finals.

Stingrays Take Game One 2-1

(Photo by Mic Smith - The Post and Courier)
Box Score

The re-enforcements arrived and payed immediate dividends for the South Carolina Stingrays in their opening game of the South Division Finals.

With the Hershey Bears eliminated from post-season play, Steve Pinizzotto (pictured, center) and Grant McNeill made their playoff debuts this season in the ECHL. Pinizzotto wasted no time in making an impact as he tallied the game-winner at the 1:31 mark of the 3rd period giving the home team a 1-0 lead in this best of five series.

Davis Parley stopped 21 of 22 shots on the way towards his 4th win of the playoffs.

On Tuesday, the Stingrays are expected to have forward Andrew Gordon and defenceman Patrick McNeill back in the lineup for game two. Their additions will further strengthen the Stingrays hopes of a run at their 3rd Kelly Cup championship and 1st since 2001.

It's Time to Jump on the Stingrays Bandwagon

With the Caps and Bears seasons' now over, it's time to turn our attention to the South Carolina Stingrays and their run towards the Kelly Cup.

The 'Rays begin their South Division Finals series against their instate rivals, the Columbia Inferno, this Sunday at 7:05 pm at the North Charleston Coliseum. It will be a best-of-five series with the rest of the schedule as follows:

Game 2: @ South Carolina Tuesday, April 29th at 7:05 pm
Game 3: @ Columbia Friday, May 2nd at 7:05 pm
Game 4: @ Columbia Saturday, May 3rd at 7:05 pm (If Necessary)
Game 5: @ South Carolina Tuesday, May 5th at 7:05 pm (If Necessary)

During the regular reason the Stingrays went 7-3 against the Inferno, including a 3-2 record at home.

South Carolina will also be getting some re-enforcements for this series from the Hershey Bears. Forwards Andrew Gordon and Steve Pinizzotto plus defencemen Patrick McNeill and Grant McNeill are all set to rejoin the Stingrays since the Bears season has come to an end. According to Andrew Miller, Pinizzotto and Grant McNeill will be ready for game 1 on Saturday, while Gordon and Patrick McNeill will be ready for game 2 on Tuesday. This could be a windfall for the 'Rays as Gordon was tied for 8th place in the AHL playoffs in points having tallied 3 goals and 2 assists in 5 five games with the Bears. During the regular season, Gordon had 8 goals and 6 assists in just 11 games with South Carolina.

Should they advance past the Inferno, the Stingrays would face the winner of the Cincinnati Cyclones-Reading Royals series for the right to move on to the Kelly Cup Finals.

Stingrays Advance, Bears Live to Fight Another Day

The South Carolina Stingrays jumped out to a 2-0 lead, then held on for dear life to advance to the next round of the ECHL playoffs, the South Division Finals.

Late in the 1st period Matt Scherer tallied his 1st goal of the playoffs to put the Stingrays on top. Then in the 2nd period Capitals' prospect Travis Morin notched his 6th goal of the postseason, on the power play, to give SC the worst lead in hockey, a two goal lead. Goaltender Davis Parley made it stand up though, despite the fact the Gwinnett Gladiators outshot the Stingrays 20-6 in the final frame, they could not beat the 25-year old netminder. Parley had his 1st shutout of the postseason, his 5th of the season, and South Carolina survived another game 5 for the second straight series. They will face the winner of the Texas-Columbia series which is surprisingly enough, headed to a game 5 even though the Wildcatters finished the regular season with a 38 point lead over the Inferno. I guess that is why they play the games, right?

The Hershey Bears got some help from a familiar face in Eric Fehr on their way to 3-2 win over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. Fehr, who had just returned to the Bears following the Capitals playoff exit, provided two helpers, including the game-winner, 20 seconds into overtime on Alexandre Giroux's 2nd goal of the game. The Bears will now head back to Wilkes-Barre for game 5 with their backs still against the wall trailing the Penguins 3 games to 1.

"Don't Stop Believin"

"Don't Stop Believin"

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

And just like that our season was over. It felt like someone had punched you in the gut, my stomach hurt, my throat began to swell. I can only imagine what the players must have been feeling when Joffrey Lupul's backhander found a it's way past Cristobal Huet. It was heart-breaking and completely unexpected. Nobody could have possibly imagined that the Flyers would come into Verizon Center, less than 24 hours after their own heart-breaking and demoralizing loss in game 6, and steal a win from this team of destiny.

But that's hockey. That's why we love this game. The passion displayed from each and every member of both sides is what makes it so special. My hats go off to the Flyers, they are the heels of hockey, a team you love to hate. A team that gets under your skin and makes you despise them with every fiber of your being. But without them, I wouldn't feel as passionately about the Caps as I do. So, I guess I have to say thank you to the Flyers and their fans. Let's do it again next year.

And speaking of next year, is it here yet? I'm already looking forward to rookie camp in July, a chance to start anew. Another round of promising young Capitals about to make their impact on the capitol of hockeytown.

As the off season progresses we'll be looking at what the Caps have to do in depth in order to extend their playoff run next spring. It seems as though they are already working on it though. Earlier today GM George McPhee, while declining to give specifics, did confirm that Bruce Boudreau is going anywhere. That would have been the number one priority on my offseason to do list for the Caps. For now, here's a short list of what's next:

1. Sign Cristobal Huet.

- I'm not going to get into the specifics of what they should offer him in terms of years and dollars. But the Caps made the choice this season that he is our number one goaltender. In response, Huet put together the best month of his career, and made one highlight save after another. McPhee made the great move to get him here, now he just needs to close it out and keep him here.

2. Upgrade the Defense

- If there was one thing that this series made me realize is that the weakest part of this team is it's defensive group. That's not to knock any of the players themselves as they played some of the best hockey of there lives. Specifically John Erskine and Steve Eminger grew leaps and bounds during the postseason. Let's hope they can carry it over into next season. And when I say they need to upgrade the defense, I'm not saying that they need to go out and sign some stud free agent. They have prospects coming through the ranks that will be ready to contribute soon. Karl Alzner and Sami Lepisto should be given every opportunity to make the team out of camp this fall. Oh and did I mention Steve Eminger, he'll be a restricted free agent this summer. Qualify him and play him next season, he has earned a place on this team.

3. Figuring out the Forwards

- This is going to be the hardest job for McPhee this summer. What to do with potential free agents Fedorov and Cooke while realizing that this lineup will already be adding two players this fall with the healthy returns of Michael Nylander and Chris Clark. Plus, prospects such as Chris Bourque, Andrew Gordon, Francois Bouchard, and Mathieu Perreault will all be fighting for a spot in camp. At the same time you also have Eric Fehr, who seems to be hitting his stride, and Tomas Fleischmann, who continues to develop, fighting for playing time. It's going to be a logjam up front. I'd love to see Fedorov and Cooke back with the team this fall, but there just might not be room for them.

This summer will be interesting. It's time to rest and recharge as we get ready for the Caps to make the leap next season into a Stanley Cup favorite. Just one request for all the fans out there, be ready to go from day one this fall. Let's "Rock the Red" again real soon.

In the meantime, don't forget about our prospects who are fighting for their lives tonight. The Hershey Bears face elimination trailing 3-0 to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins. While the South Carolina Stingrays face the Gwinnett Gladiators in the finale of their best of five series tonight in Charleston. Good luck to both teams in carrying on the Caps tradition of "Don't Stop Believin."

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.

Saturday Roundup

Is it just me or was anybody else having a hard time finding something to watch on tv last night with the NHL on it's All-Star break? However, a thrilling 3-3 tie between Boston College and Maine on NESN did get me through the evening.
(Photo courtesy Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

Since the Capitals are making noise around the league, the first talks of Alexander Ovechkin and the Hart Trophy are being thrown around. From TSN:

Pierre McGuire: "I think it's Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals. When you think about what he's done with his 39 goals so far this year, it's a tremendous story he's writing there in Washington. When you watch Ovechkin play, it's like he's the Superman of the National Hockey League. He beats you with size, he beats you with speed and he beats you with skill and creativity. On top of that, he has a shot that's just lethal. You tell me about a player that has transformed a team the way he's done.

The Washington Capitals without Ovechkin would be the Los Angeles Kings of the Eastern Conference. If the Capitals don't make the playoffs, I would go with Daniel Alfredsson or Jarome Iginla, but how about Henrik Zetterberg in Detroit? Is there a player who does it better in two-way hockey?"

Mike Milbury: "The Washington Capitals will make the playoffs solely on Ovechkin carrying the team single-handedly since the coaching change to Bruce Boudreau. It's Alexander Ovechkin all the way."

People are also starting to take notice of coach Bruce Boudreau, and if the Capitals make the playoffs in any capacity, he should be a major player for the NHL coach of the year.

With his rumpled suits and odd-looking glasses, the balding Boudreau is not the NHL's version of Pat Riley behind the bench. There is nothing buttoned up about Boudreau. He looks like he could be a character from Slap Shot.

Leading all NHL rookies in points since Thanksgiving, Nicklas Backstrom is now a strong candidate for rookie of the year.

"(Backstrom) is the rookie of the year right now," says Ovechkin, a Calder winner himself in a marginal upset of Sidney Crosby two years ago. "He got eight points in two games – no rookie has ever done that."

Sean Collins, Patrick McNeill, and Steve Pinizzotto were all reassigned by Hershey on Friday to South Carolina of the ECHL. With their additions, the Caps now have four of their prospects playing with the Stingrays (Travis Morin is the other). In their first game back with the team, the Stingrays defeated the Florida Everblades in overtime 3-2.

With that note it's time to take a look at the top Capitals prospects and how they are performing this season. (As ranked by Hockey's Future)

• Karl Alzner, D: 6 goals, 17 assists, 23 points, +16 in 37 games with the Calgary Hitmen
• Eric Fehr, F: 1 goal, 3 assts, 4 points, even in 8 games with the Hershey Bears
• Semen Varlamov, G: 15 GP, 2.63 GAA, .893 SV% with Yaroslavl
• Francois Bouchard, F: 25 goals, 44 assists, 69 points, +10 in 50 games with Baie-Comeau
• Michal Neuvirth, G: 13-5-2-0, 2.67 gaa, .915 SV% in 21 total games with Oshawa, Windsor, and Plymouth
• Keith Seabrook, D: 3 goals, 8 assists, 11 points, -1 in 39 games with the Calgary Hitmen
• Chris Bourque, F: 14 goals, 14 assists, 28 points, +9 in 39 games with the Hershey Bears
• Oskar Osala, F: 13 goals, 15 assists, 28 points, 50 PIM in 40 games with the Espoo Blues
• Mathieu Perreault, F: 24 goals, 44 assists, 68 points, +28 in 42 games with Acadie-Bathurst
• Josh Godfrey, D: 15 goals, 21 assists, 36 points, +14 in 39 games with Sault Ste. Marie
• Teddy Ruth, D: 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 points, +11 in 24 games with Notre Dame
• Patrick McNeill, D: 1 goal, 8 assists, 9 points, +3 in 25 games with the Hershey Bears, also 4 goals, 7 assists, 11 points, +5 in 10 games with the South Carolina Stingrays
• Andrew Gordon, F: 7 goals, 14 assists, 21 points, +14 in 29 games with the Hershey Bears, also 8 goals, 6 assists, 14 points, +1 in 11 games with the South Carolina Stingrays
• Phil DeSimone, F: 1 goal, 9 assists, 10 points, +2 in 22 games with New Hampshire
• Sasha Pokulok, D: 0 goals, 5 assists, 5 points, +6 in 31 games with the Hershey Bears
• Sami Lepisto, D: 1 goal, 19 assists, 20 points, +15 in 32 games with the Hershey Bears
• Travis Morin, F: 18 goals, 26 assists, 44 points, +12 in 37 games with the South Carolina Stingrays
• Viktor Dovgan, D: 0 points, +2 in 16 games with CSKA
• Dan Dunn, G: 3-1-2, 2.25 gaa, .927 SV% in 8 games with St. Cloud State
  
• Jeff Finley, D: 2 goals, 8 assists, 10 points, +19 in 24 games with North Dakota
  

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 Training Camp Roster

Capitals prospects include Steve Pinizzotto, Stephen Werner, Travis Morin, and Patrick McNeil. An interesting note: Only 4 defensemen are listed on the roster. Perhaps that will change as Hershey just inherited another in Jeff Schultz.

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.

An In-Depth Look at Bednar and the Stingrays

It's often very hard to find information on minor league hockey so whenever I do I make a point of sharing it with all of you. Here's Brian Compton, an NHL.com correspondent, taking a look at the South Carolina Stingrays new head coach Jared Bednar and their upcoming season.

Click here for the article.