Jarrett Konkle

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach Jason Fitzsimmons announced today the signing Chris Chaput from the Elmira Jackals of the United Hockey League in addition to Jarrett Konkle accepting the invitation to training camp.

“The addition of Jarrett and Chris to training camp will have significant impact,” explained Fitzsimmons.  “I received a tip from my good friend, Perry Florio, about these two, and he and I both know that if signed, they’ll be great players for the Rays.”

Konkle, 23, made his professional debut with the Jackals in March of 2005 following the completion of his senior year season with Elmira College .  The Toronto, Ontario native had a stand-out rookie season which included scoring 62 points (37g, 25a) in 72 games and being named to the 2006 UHL All-Star Classic. Konkle’s 37 goals lead the team and set a new franchise record for most goals scored in one season.   In college, Konkle led the Eastern College Athletic Conference West his senior year in almost every offensive category including points (41), goals (21), power play points (21), and power play goals (13).  The left winger finished his college career with 125 points, placing him 26^th on the all-time scoring list for the Soaring Eagles.

“Jarrett is a natural goal scorer,” commented Fitzsimmons.  “He put up great numbers in the UHL last year and we believe his progress will continue.  He’s a good fit for the ECHL and for the Rays.”

Chris Chaput

Chaput, 23, is not a stranger to the ECHL.  Following his senior year season at Providence College , Chaput had a brief appearance with the Trenton Titans for four games, ending with a plus-2 rating.  The 5’10”, 190-pound center from Pawtucket, R.I. joined the Jackals during their training camp for the 2005-2006 season.  Chaput, like Konkle, was named to the 2006 UHL All-Star Classic in his rookie year after leading the team in points with 66 points in 70 games on 26 goals and 40 assists.  At Providence College , Chaput led the team in points and assists his last two seasons and finished his college career with 96 points.

“I feel confident putting Chris out on the ice,” said Fitzsimmons.  “He is an extremely talented offensive forward with a great vision of the ice and the ability to help lead the team.  Chris is a potent scorers and we look for him to pick up where he left off.”

The puck drops on the 14^th season of hockey in the Low Country on October 20^th at Gwinnett and returns to home ice on the 21^st against Columbia .  Order your Stingrays full season, weekend, or partial ticket package today by calling a ticket sales manager at 843-744-2248 or by logging onto www.stingrayshockey.com.  Packages start as low as $60 and include all the great benefits of being a season ticket holder.