Stingrays Bring Back Top Blueliner
After finishing with a career year of 26 points, the South Carolina Stingrays announced today that Joey Leach has resigned with the team. The 2018-2019 season will be Leach’s sixth professional season and his fourth with the Rays.
“My family and I are excited about coming back to South Carolina,” Leach said. “I’ve been there three years now, so I know a lot of people and know the organization pretty well. We’re really happy with our decision.”
“I’m thrilled to be part of the team again and try to do something special.”
Leach played in 61 games last season for the Stingrays and 5 with the New York Rangers’ AHL affiliate, the Hartford Wolf Pack. The defenseman has a +18 with South Carolina.
“It’s great to have one of our team leaders and one of the best defensemen in the ECHL back for his fourth season with the Stingrays,” said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. “Last year he had his best offensive season in the ECHL. He’s one of those guys that you count on to play big minutes and this year will be no different. Joey is a leader on and off the ice for the Stingrays and we’re lucky to have somebody like him back in the organization.”
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice with the guys,” said Leach. “It’s great to get around the dressing room and see some new faces. You make some great relationships with the guys here, that’s one of the main things I look forward to along with the competitiveness of getting into training camp and the start of the season. I’m thrilled to be part of the team again and try to do something special.”
Leach becomes the fourth defenseman and 16th player under contract with the Stingrays for the 2018-19 season. He is also the second veteran of the team to return to the team behind the signing of Patrick Gaul. More player signings are expected to be announced in the coming days and weeks.
