NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals and AHL’s Hershey Bears, have announced today that forward Mitch Deelstra has agreed to terms for the 2025-26 season.
Deelstra, 26, comes to the Stingrays after scoring twice in 11 games last season with the Reading Royals in his first action in professional hockey. The 6-foot-1, 201 pound forward joined the Royals following the conclusion of the 2024-25 NCAA season where he was the co-captain of the Robert Morris Colonials, skating in 35 games and logging 17 points (12 goals, five assists) in his lone season with RMU.
“We’re really excited to have Mitch join us as a Stingray,” Head Coach David Warsofsky said. “He got a taste of the ECHL last season, and I know he’s eager to prove himself at this level. Mitch brings great size and a physical edge to his game, and I think that style is going to fit perfectly with how we want to play here in Charleston. He’s the kind of player who isn’t afraid to get into the hard areas, and make it difficult on the opponents to defend."
Prior to Robert Morris, the Wallace, Ontario native played for three years at Ferris State University from 2020 to 2023 before transferring to Northern Michigan University for the 2023-24 season. In his five seasons in the NCAA, Deelstra totaled 56 points (31 goals, 25 assists) in 147 games.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the South Carolina Stingrays and be part of such a respected organization,” Deelstra said. “I’m looking forward to contributing on and off the ice and I can’t wait to get started with my teammates and the fans in Charleston.”
Deelstra is the first newcomer to sign with the Stingrays for the 2025-26 season and joins returning forwards Charlie Combs, Dean Loukus and Josh Wilkins.
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The Stingrays' 2025-2026 season begins on Saturday, October 18th, with the Home Opener against the Norfolk Admirals at 6:05 p.m. The full schedule can be viewed on our website here.
2025-26 Season ticket plans are on sale now! For more information or to purchase, contact the Stingrays by phone at 843-744-7418 or submit this form.
Save money with group tickets! For more information or to purchase, contact the Stingrays by phone at 843-744-7418 or submit this form.
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