The Hershey Bears announced Thursday that the club has signed defender Tommy Hughes to a one-year, American Hockey League contract for the 2019-20 season. Hughes, who is beginning his seventh professional season, returns to the Bears after previously spending the 2017-18 season with South Carolina's AHL affiliate.
The London, Ontario native suited up for 10 games with the Bears and 39 contests with the Stingrays during 2017-18, posting 10 points in SC on three goals and seven assists along with a +7 rating. Hughes also appeared in four playoff games with the Rays during the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs.
He recently spent the 2018-19 campaign with the Nottingham Panthers in the Elite Ice Hoceky League (EIHL), scoring 18 points (five goals, 13 assists) in 55 games with a +15 rating.
Hughes, 27, played his first four pro seasons in the AHL with the Hartford Wolf Pack. In total, the right-shot blueliner has played 236 career games at the AHL level, registering 30 points (five goals, 25 assists).
The 27th season of Stingrays hockey begins in Orlando against the Solar Bears on October 12. The Stingrays will open their home schedule in North Charleston vs. Orlando the following week on Saturday, October 19.
Season tickets are on sale now! For more information or to purchase, contact the Stingrays by phone at 843-744-2248.
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