The South Carolina Stingrays have extended their partnership with MUSC Health ahead of the team’s 34th season, continuing MUSC Health’s role as the organization’s official healthcare, hospital and sports medicine provider. The agreement includes player care, community initiatives and presentation of the Stingrays’ Opening Night.
MUSC Health sports medicine team supports Stingrays
MUSC Health’s Sports Medicine Department provides a multidisciplinary care team for the South Carolina Stingrays. The group includes orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mike Pullen; primary care sports medicine physicians Dr. Shelli Ciandella and Dr. Matt Sherrier; head athletic trainer Julia Phillips, MAT, LAT, ATC; and Director of Sports Medicine Michael Barr.
Phillips was named the ECHL’s Athletic Trainer of the Year in April. Rob Concannon, president of the South Carolina Stingrays, said the partnership supports the organization’s players and community efforts.
“MUSC Health has been an invaluable partner to our organization, and we’re proud to continue that relationship as we head into our 34th season,” Concannon said. “Their sports medicine team keeps our players healthy and performing at their best, and their commitment to our community—from the Cancer Awareness Game to Cool Ray’s Kids Club—reflects the same values we strive for as an organization.”
Lee Leddy, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedics and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and chief of the Musculoskeletal Integrated Center of Clinical Excellence at MUSC, said the partnership provides a coordinated approach to athlete care.
“Caring for athletes requires a coordinated, team-based approach that supports both performance and long-term health,” Leddy said. “We’re proud to partner with the Stingrays to provide comprehensive sports medicine care that helps keep players healthy, competitive and safely on the ice.”
Partnership continues community initiatives
MUSC Health will continue to support and lead the annual Stingrays’ Cancer Awareness Game, which brings fans and the community together to honor and support people impacted by cancer. Cool Ray’s Kids Club, presented by MUSC Children’s Health, will again offer a more exclusive experience to fans ages 4 to 12.
Throughout the season, South Carolina Stingrays players and mascot Cool Ray will make appearances at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. These visits include games, arts and crafts, and time spent with pediatric patients, often leading to game night reunions.
South Carolina Stingrays set Opening Night
MUSC Health, the clinical enterprise of the Medical University of South Carolina, is South Carolina’s leading academic health system—nationally recognized for innovation, patient- and family-centered care, and exceptional outcomes. For the 11th consecutive year, U.S. News & World Report ranked MUSC Health University Medical Center as the No. 1 hospital in South Carolina in its 2025-26 Best Hospitals rankings.
The South Carolina Stingrays will return to the North Charleston Coliseum for Opening Night, presented by MUSC Health, on Saturday, October 17, against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits at 6:05 p.m. The team’s 2026-27 season ticket plans are on sale, and group tickets are available.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The South Carolina Stingrays’ extended partnership with MUSC Health continues vital medical support and community programming as the organization begins its 34th season in the Lowcountry. The agreement also ties these initiatives to Opening Night at the North Charleston Coliseum.
The dedicated sports medicine group, led in part by ECHL Athletic Trainer of the Year Julia Phillips, adds a clear player-care component. Its continued involvement with the Stingrays’ Cancer Awareness Game, Cool Ray’s Kids Club and MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital broadens the partnership beyond the ice.
Source: Original report
