Joey Tenute, seen here during a Feb. 8, 2005 game against the Pee Dee Pride, has signed with the Phoenix Coyotes.

The Phoenix Coyotes, parent club of the American Hockey League’s San Antonio Rampage, have signed former South Carolina Stingray Joey Tenute to a one-year contract.

Tenute, a 5-foot-9, 190-pound center finished second on the Hershey Bears last season with 67 points (28 goals, 39 assists).  He was a member of the Bears’ 2005-06 Calder Cup Championship team, collecting 5 points in 19 postseason contests.

In 129 career AHL games over the last two seasons with Hershey, Tenute, 24, registered 48 goals and 69 assists for 117 points.  The Hamilton, Ont. native made his NHL debut with the Washington Capitals on Feb. 7, 2006, recording one shot in seven-plus minutes of ice time.

Tenute spent the 2004-05 campaign in South Carolina , leading all rookies with 75 points en route to winning the ECHL’s Rookie of the Year Award.

Originally, Tenute was the New Jersey Devils’ 8^th round choice (261^st overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft.  He spent four years in the OHL – two each with the Barrie Colts and Sarnia Sting – recording 95 goals and 176 assists for 271 points in 253 career games.

Come join the Stingrays for their 15th Anniversary Season! The 2007-08 season begins on Oct. 20 at 7:05 p.m. as the Rays take on in-state rival Columbia Inferno! Deposits are being taken now for the 2007-08 South Carolina Stingrays season tickets! For just $100 you can reserve your seat to every hard-hitting, action-packed game at the North Charleston Coliseum. For more information including benefits, pricing, and package options, please call the Stingrays front office at 744-2248 or view the information online at www.stingrayshockey.com. Stingrays Hockey – A Whole Lot Cooler!