The South Carolina Stingrays agreed to terms with defenseman Romain Rodzinski for the 2026-27 season after he established career highs with nine goals, 24 assists and 33 points last season.
Rodzinski led all South Carolina Stingrays defensemen in regular-season goals and points. His plus-13 rating ranked second on the team, and he added four points, including three goals and one assist, in 11 Kelly Cup Playoff games.
Romain Rodzinski Returns After Career Season
Rodzinski’s three postseason goals tied for the most among defensemen. His return gives the South Carolina Stingrays a defenseman who produced consistently during the regular season and contributed in the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
“We are very excited to have Romain back for the upcoming season,” said Stingrays Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “He is a player who makes a big impact on the ice with how he can change a game offensively from the back end. Also, his impact in the community is a big reason why getting him resigned was a priority for us. We believe that as good as he has been the last two seasons that he still has a lot of room to grow.”
Rodzinski also appeared in six American Hockey League games last season after signing professional tryout contracts with the Syracuse Crunch and Hershey Bears. The South Carolina Stingrays are an ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the AHL’s Hershey Bears.
“I think the biggest thing is to stay consistent and keep improving,” said Rodzinski. “Last season gave me a lot of confidence, but I know I can still get better in every area of my game. I want to come into this season ready to work, contribute every night, and help the team win as much as possible.”
South Carolina Stingrays Build Defensive Core
The South Carolina Stingrays acquired Rodzinski from the Idaho Steelheads during the 2024-25 season. After joining South Carolina, he recorded 21 points, including eight goals and 13 assists, with a plus-29 rating in 27 games.
Rodzinski recorded 13 points, including three goals and 10 assists, in 40 games with Idaho during the 2023-24 season. He has 70 points, including 20 goals and 50 assists, in 139 career ECHL games.
Rodzinski joins a defensive core that includes Justin Bean, Aidan Hreschuk, Connor Moore and Luke Prokop for the 2026-27 season. The South Carolina Stingrays will host Opening Night, presented by MUSC Health, against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits on Saturday, October 17, at 6:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum.
Romain Rodzinski Earns Community Service Award
Rodzinski supported more than 20 community initiatives and dedicated more than 30 hours to youth programs, children’s hospitals and local fundraising events. His work earned him the 2025-26 ECHL Community Service Award.
“I’ve always felt a strong connection with this organization and the community, so being able to come back means a lot to me,” Rodzinski said. “I’m grateful for everything this place has given me, and I’m excited to be back around the fans, my teammates, and the whole organization. I’m looking forward to getting started and having a great season.”
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Romain Rodzinski’s return keeps a productive defenseman with the South Carolina Stingrays after his career-best regular season. His 33 points led the team’s defensemen, while his plus-13 rating and postseason production added value beyond his offensive totals.
The 2025-26 ECHL Community Service Award also reflects Rodzinski’s involvement away from the ice. His return alongside Justin Bean, Aidan Hreschuk, Connor Moore and Luke Prokop gives the South Carolina Stingrays a defined defensive group for the 2026-27 season.
Source: Original report
