BEARS, CAPITALS TO AFFILIATE WITH SOUTH CAROLINA STINGRAYS

June 26, 2014

HERSHEY, Pa. – The Hershey Bears, in conjunction with the Washington Capitals, announced today that the Hockey Club has entered into an affiliation agreement with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL for the 2014-2015 season.  The announcement was made by Capitals Senior Vice President and General Manager Brian MacLellan and Bears President/General Manager Doug Yingst.
 
“Hershey, Washington and South Carolina recently enjoyed one of the most continuous and productive affiliations in professional hockey,” Yingst said.  “On behalf of the Hershey Bears, we are proud to return to South Carolina to pursue the common goals of developing players and creating a winning environment.  We would also like to commend the staff, management and fans of the Reading Royals for two years of exciting hockey.”
 
Hershey and South Carolina were previously affiliated for eight consecutive seasons, from 2005-2012.  The highlight of the affiliation was in 2009, when the Stingrays clinched the Kelly Cup Championship one week prior to the Bears hoisting the Calder Cup for the tenth time in team history.
 
South Carolina finished last season as South Division champions, posting a 43-23-2-4 record under the guidance of 2014 John Brophy Award winner Spencer Carbery.
 
Current goaltenders Braden Holtby and Philipp Grubauer were both lauded while with the Stingrays.  Holtby represented South Carolina in the 2010 ECHL All-Star Game, while Grubauer was named to the ECHL All-Rookie Team in 2011-12.
 
The Stingrays were previously affiliated with the Boston Bruins from 2012-2014.