South Carolina Agrees To Terms With Joe Masonius

The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals and AHL affiliate of the Hershey Bears, have announced the signing of defenseman Joe Masonius and goaltender Gordon Defiel. Masonius is beginning his rookie professional season after a 3-year collegiate career at the University of Connecticut, while Defiel has gotten off to a hot start with the SPHL’s Macon Mayhem in his second pro campaign.Masonius was originally a 6th-round draft selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2016 NHL Entry Draft. During his time with the Huskies, the blueliner suited up in 96 games and posted 50 points on 10 goals and 40 assists while twice leading all UConn defensemen in scoring. Last year during his junior season, he had 16 points on two goals and 14 assists.

A native of Spring Lake, N.J., Masonius played with the United States National Team Development Program in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for two seasons from 2013-15.“Joe has a great track record in the game, coming up through the US National Development Program and doing well while playing under a great staff at UConn,” said Stingrays head coach Spiros Anastas. “He is a talented young prospect who will bolster our back end by adding some offensive upside and solid defensive skill. Steve Bergin will work closely to catch him up to speed and we look forward to seeing him in our lineup.”

Defiel has posted excellent numbers with Macon to start the 2018-19 season, going 3-0-0 in three appearances with a 1.33 goals against average and a 0.952 save percentage. The 25-year-old goaltender from Stillwater, Minn. played 22 games last season with the SPHL’s Pensacola Ice Flyers, posting a record of 13-5-3, a 2.61 goals-against average and .911 save percentage. He also made one ECHL appearance with the Orlando Solar Bears last season.

The 25-year-old played three collegiate seasons with Lake Superior State University from 2014-17 and finished with a 2.88 GAA and .915 save percentage in 99 games. The 6-0, 197-pound goaltender also recorded seven shutouts in his three years with the Lakers.South Carolina also announced two corresponding roster moves, releasing defenseman Cameron Bakker as well as emergency backup goaltender Tom Hodges.

The Stingrays play their next game in Jacksonville during the Icemen’s School Day on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. South Carolina will return home to the North Charleston Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 10 for Health and Wellness Night presented by Planet Fitness against the Orlando Solar Bears at 7:05 p.m.

Single-game tickets for all Stingrays games during the 2018-19 season are on sale now at the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office and ticketmaster.com.

Ticket packages and Groups of 10 or more are on sale now featuring discounted pricing and great benefits. For more information or to place an order call the Stingrays front office at 843-744-2248 or stop by 3300 W. Montague Ave. Suite A-200 during business hours.