North Charleston, SC – The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Spencer Carbery announced today that J.B. Bittner has been named the team’s assistant coach.

“As an organization, we are very excited to add J.B. Bittner to the coaching staff,” said Carbery.  “He will be instrumental in helping this team reach its goal as well as developing our young prospects. I am looking forward to working with J.B. this season.”

Bittner, 29, spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach and video coordinator with Ohio State University after completing a three-year professional career. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native saw ECHL action with the Dayton Bombers, Johnstown Chiefs, Augusta Lynx, Idaho Steelheads and Florida Everblades registering 106 points (38g, 68a) in 161 games. Bittner also saw time in the American Hockey League with the Syracuse Crunch, Portland Pirates and Iowa Stars grabbing six goals and three assists for nine points in 30 games.

Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound forward spent four seasons at Ohio State where he posted 76 points (37g, 39a) in 160 games, captained the 2004 CCHA Super Six Championship team, played on three NCAA tournament teams, received the team’s Joseph W. Smith Best Defensive Player award in 2005 and won the Scarlet and Grey award in 2003 and 2005.

Mark your calendars! The 2011-12 season kicks off with Opening Weekend and Alumni Weekend on Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 against the Reading Royals and Wheeling Nailers at 7:05 p.m. at the North Charleston Coliseum.Ticket packages are on sale now for as low as $10 a month!  Call the Stingrays Office at (843) 744-2248 for more information. Become a “Fan” of the Stingrays on Facebook at Facebook.com/SCStingraysHockey and join the conversation on Twitter at Twitter.com/SCStingrays. Stingrays Hockey – Hard-Hitting Family Fun!