Bears Recall Kelly Zajac from South Carolina

February 16, 2017

(Hershey, PA- February 16, 2017)-The Hershey Bears hockey team announced a pair of roster moves today. The Bears have recalled forward Kelly Zajac from the club’s ECHL affiliate, the South Carolina Stingrays. Zajac has joined the team in Providence and will wear #39. Additionally, the team has released defenseman Steve Weinstein from his professional tryout agreement. He will return to the Stingrays.


Zajac, 28, is enjoying the best season of his professional career. The Winnipeg, Manitoba native has registered 46 points (10 goals, 36 assists) though 48 games. He ranks first on the Stingrays in assists and points, and serves as an alternate captain with the team. The 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward joined the Stingrays in Feb. 2016, tallying 22 points in 21 games after being added to the club's roster. He finished second on the team in points in the playoffs, notching 18 points in 19 games, as South Carolina advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

The center is no stranger to the AHL, have spent parts of four seasons with the Albany Devils. His best AHL season came in 2013-14 when he finished second on Albany with 44 points (12 goals, 32 assists) in 67 games. In total, Zajac has skated in 122 AHL games with Albany and Manitoba, scoring 62 points (17 goals, 45 assists). 

Zajac, a product of Union College, comes from a hockey family. Younger brother, Nolan, also skated for Hershey this season, appearing in three games with the Bears after signing a professional tryout agreement in January.  He is currently with Toledo of the ECHL. Older brother Darcy was a teammate of Kelly’s in Albany and currently plays overseas. Oldest brother Travis is a forward for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. 

Weinstein, 26, skated in five games with Hershey, recording two assists. He returns to South Carolina where he has scored 19 points (three goals, 16 assists) in 32 games. 

The Bears continue a busy month of February with three games away from home ice this weekend. The club visits Providence this Friday and Saturday 7:05 p.m. before completing the weekend with a 3 p.m. game in Bridgeport on Sunday. All games may be heard on the Bears Radio Network and viewed on AHL Live. Hershey returns to home ice on Saturday, Feb. 25 to host the Toronto Marlies at 7 p.m. That evening is Ames Janitorial Services Rally Towel Night and Banking/Finance Night. Ticket information is available at HersheyBears.com.