South Carolina Stingrays Announce Two More Signings
The South Carolina Stingrays have agreed to terms with two more players today. Forward Tad Kozun and Defenseman Kevin McKernan.
Kozun returns to the Rays after playing in 19 games last season. McKernan joins the team after the Rays acquired his rights from Fort Wayne as part of a previous trade.
“We obviously like Kozy first and foremost as a person,” said Stingrays Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Warsofsky. “He’s a great teammate, does whatever it takes to help the team and we thought his game was coming along last year. I thought he had a really good start to his pro career and started figuring out his identity of being hard to play against while being responsible. He can play center if we need him in a pinch and I thought he did really well filling in at center on the third line late in the season. We think he can take another step in his career here and we’re excited to have him back.”
“Having my first pro games under my belt already I know what to expect,” Kozun said. “It definitely helps during the summer with training because I know where I need to improve and need to get stronger, that’s what will help me become a successful player in pro hockey. To be able to get the opportunity to come back is definitely a privilege.”
“We followed him through his career at Quinnipiac and he’s a guy that skates extremely well,” Warsofsky said. “[Hershey Assistant Coach] Reid Cashman, who is in the system, coached him at Quinnipiac and is familiar with him too. He filled in for Fort Wayne last year and played some meaningful playoff games which is always helpful. We’re looking forward to him getting down here and helping our back end.”
“I’m really excited to be part of the team,” McKernan said. “Coach seems to have high expectations and I’d like to follow up on those and have a good year down there. I’ve heard some great things from guys around the league and some former players so I’m looking forward to it and getting ready to get started in October.”
