The South Carolina Stingrays have agreed to terms with defenseman Justin Bean for the 2026-27 season. Bean returns to the ECHL after spending the previous season with the Dundee Stars of the EIHL, where he recorded 21 points, including four goals and 17 assists, in 43 games.
The South Carolina Stingrays are ECHL affiliates of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the AHL’s Hershey Bears. Bean will join Connor Moore on the Stingrays’ blue line for the upcoming season.
Justin Bean Brings ECHL Experience to South Carolina
Bean played all 72 games for the Maine Mariners during the 2024-25 season and recorded 35 points on seven goals and 28 assists. He previously played for DVTK Jegesmedvek of Erste Liga in 2023-24, producing 13 points, including four goals and nine assists, in 31 games.
Bean appeared in 71 games for the Tulsa Oilers in 2022-23, finishing with 24 points on four goals and 20 assists. He made his professional debut with the Cincinnati Cyclones during the 2021-22 season, recording nine assists in 30 games before adding one assist in eight games with the Wichita Thunder.
The 30-year-old defenseman is listed at 6 feet 3 inches and 205 pounds and is from Pickering, Ontario. He has 69 points, including 11 goals and 58 assists, in 181 career ECHL games.
Coach Jesse Kallechy Discusses Bean’s Impact
South Carolina Stingrays head coach Jesse Kallechy said Bean’s size, experience, and physical play will strengthen the team. Kallechy also cited Bean’s leadership and expected contributions on and off the ice.
“We are excited to add a player like Justin to our group,” said Kallechy. “His size, experience, and physical play are qualities that are hard to find, and he will help make us tougher to play against every night. Justin is also a mature leader who will have a strong presence in our locker room. He is a dependable defenseman who plays the game the right way, and we expect him to be an important part of our team both on and off the ice.”
Player Comments on Joining the Stingrays
Bean said he plans to compete, defend hard, and contribute offensively. He also referenced conversations with Coach Jesse Kallechy and Cory while discussing his excitement about the team’s direction.
“Fans can expect a consistent effort night in and night out,” said Bean. “I am a player who likes to compete, defend hard, and help contribute offensively. I had a couple of great conversations with Jesse and Cory, and I am excited about the direction the team is headed. The Stingrays have always been competitive, and being part of a winning situation is something that I am really looking forward to. The fan base seems great, and I cannot wait to step on the ice in front of them in October.”
Opening Night Set for October 17
The South Carolina Stingrays will host the Greenville Swamp Rabbits in their Opening Night game on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026, at North Charleston Coliseum. The game is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. and will be presented by MUSC Health.
Bean is the seventh player to sign with South Carolina for the 2026-27 season. Other named signings include forwards Luka Burzan, Charlie Combs, Alex Dostie, Justin Hall, and Adam Hall, along with defenseman Connor Moore.
The South Carolina Stingrays also announced that 2026-27 season ticket plans are on sale.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
Bean gives the South Carolina Stingrays a defenseman with 181 games of ECHL experience and recent production in both the ECHL and EIHL. His 69 career ECHL points and 35-point 2024-25 season with the Maine Mariners provide measurable offensive production from the blue line.
His arrival gives South Carolina another defenseman alongside Connor Moore as the team builds toward its Oct. 17 home opener against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits. Bean’s role will be one of the storylines to monitor when the Stingrays begin the 2026-27 season.
Source: Original report
