Former South Carolina Stingrays goaltender Jeff Jakaitis will be inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame as part of its 2027 class. Jakaitis played seven seasons in the ECHL with Columbia, Charlotte, Gwinnett and South Carolina, including five seasons with the Stingrays.
Jakaitis is the only three-time winner of the ECHL Goaltender of the Year award, earning the honor in 2012, 2014 and 2015. He also became one of four goaltenders to receive the ECHL Most Valuable Player award when he won it in 2015.
Jakaitis Sets ECHL Shutout Records
During the 2014-15 season, Jakaitis set an ECHL record with four consecutive shutouts and a 321:46 shutout streak. He is tied for the ECHL career record with 25 shutouts, tied for 15th with a 2.36 goals-against average and ranked 18th with 128 career wins.
Jakaitis helped the South Carolina Stingrays reach the Kelly Cup Finals during the 2014-15 season. He also contributed to the team’s 23-game winning streak that season, according to South Carolina Stingrays President Rob Concannon.
“I’m honored to be selected to join such a special group and feel truly lucky to have shared the ice with so many great players and coaches during my time in the league,” said Jakaitis. “I’m especially grateful for the time I was able to spend with the Stingrays. The ownership, front office, alumni, fans, players, coaches and arena staff truly felt like family and I’m proud to share this honor with them.”
Community Contributions and Legacy
Jakaitis becomes the seventh former South Carolina Stingrays player inducted into the ECHL Hall of Fame. He joins David Seitz, Jason Saal, Jared Bednar, Brett Marietti, Brad Dexter and Jason Fitzsimmons in this honor.
Concannon also credited Jakaitis with contributing to the Charleston hockey community after his playing career. Jakaitis continued to mentor young goaltenders through the Charleston Youth Hockey Association.
“Beyond his accomplishments on the ice, Jeff was equally committed to giving back to the community,” said Concannon. “He was always willing to lend a hand and make a difference in the lives of others. Even after retiring, he continued to give back to the game by mentoring young goaltenders through the Charleston Youth Hockey Association (CYHA). Jeff’s impact on the Stingrays, the ECHL, and the Charleston hockey community went far beyond his accomplishments as a player. He was a winner, a leader, and a tremendous ambassador for our organization. We will always be grateful for everything JJ gave to the Rays and our community.”
2027 ECHL Hall of Fame Ceremony Details
Matt Hendricks and Derek Nesbitt are the other members of the 2027 ECHL Hall of Fame class. The three inductees will be formally inducted as the 19th class of the ECHL Hall of Fame.
The ceremony is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2027, at the Grove Hotel Ballroom in Boise, Idaho. Presented by BFL CANADA and Sutton Special Risk, the banquet will take place in conjunction with the 2027 Warrior/ECHL All-Star Classic presented by Project Filter.
The South Carolina Stingrays are ECHL affiliates of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and AHL’s Hershey Bears. The Stingrays are scheduled to return to the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, October 30, against the Savannah Ghost Pirates at 7:05 p.m. for Emo Night, presented by Fan Cave Tickets.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Jeff Jakaitis’ selection adds another former South Carolina Stingrays player to the ECHL Hall of Fame. His three Goaltender of the Year awards, 2015 Most Valuable Player honor, ECHL shutout record and five seasons with the Stingrays provide the documented basis for his induction.
The ceremony will formally recognize Jakaitis alongside Matt Hendricks and Derek Nesbitt as members of the 2027 ECHL Hall of Fame class.
Source: Original report
