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Stingrays Community Corner

Stingrays Community Corner

Welcome to the South Carolina Stingrays Community Corner!

Each week, we’re proud to spotlight the meaningful ways our organization and players are making an impact throughout the Lowcountry. Here’s a look at what the Stingrays have been up to!

Welcome to the South Carolina Stingrays Community Corner!

This week, we’re excited to spotlight an initiative we’re proud to support for the second consecutive season: Players with a Purpose.

Players with a Purpose allows fans to purchase tickets through player-specific links. Each player selects a charitable organization that is meaningful to them, and a portion of the proceeds from their ticket link is donated directly to that organization. It’s a great way to support both your favorite Stingray and an important cause in our community.
To learn more about the initiative, visit the link HERE!


Community Events Recap

The Stingrays kicked off March with several visits throughout the community, connecting with fans and local organizations.

Reading Buddies & Be A Mentor 
On Tuesday, a few players visited Julian Mitchell Elementary School downtown to read with students and donate backpacks to several third-grade classes. The next day, #18 Kyler Kupka and #42 Jordan Klimek stopped by Be A Mentor to play street hockey with kids in the afterschool program.

Scoops with Players
On Tuesday evening, #2 Romain Rodzinski and #3 Nolan Krenzen visited Bruster’s in Summerville. The players spent the night meeting fans while helping raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry.

Youth Hockey
On Wednesday, #23 Lynden Breen and #43 Patrick Guzzo visited the Carolina Ice Palace to work with kids in the Learn to Play Program, sharing tips and tricks to help them improve their hockey skills.

MUSC Visit
On Thursday, #22 Ludwig Persson and #30 Ty Taylor headed to MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital, where they spent the afternoon coloring with the kids and playing air hockey.

A big thank you to Great Clips for providing mini hockey sticks for our Be A Mentor visits, and to Neal Brothers for providing book marks for all of our reading buddies participants!

Welcome to the South Carolina Stingrays Community Corner!

This week, we’re excited to spotlight an initiative we’re proud to support for the second consecutive season: Players with a Purpose.

Players with a Purpose allows fans to purchase tickets through player-specific links. Each player selects a charitable organization that is meaningful to them, and a portion of the proceeds from their ticket link is donated directly to that organization. It’s a great way to support both your favorite Stingray and an important cause in our community.
To learn more about the initiative, visit the link HERE!


Community Events Recap

The Stingrays closed out the final week of February with several impactful community visits across the Lowcountry.

Reading Buddies & Floor Hockey

The team and front office spent time with students in the community this week through reading sessions and hands-on hockey activities. On Tuesday, #5 John Fusco and #44 Porter Schachle visited GREEN Charter Elementary to read and connect with students. That same day, members of our front office stopped by Be A Mentor, where they enjoyed an afternoon outdoors playing floor hockey with the kids.

Community Night
On Wednesday, #2 Romain Rodzinski and #4 Connor Mayer visited the Community Resource Center in North Charleston. They spent the evening introducing the kids to floor hockey, teaching the basics of the game, and surprising them with Stingrays backpacks to top off the night.

Youth Hockey

Stingrays players were actively involved with local youth hockey programs again this week. #7 Charlie Combs, #10 Ben Hawerchuk, #19 Stan Cooley, #42 Jordan Klimek and #47 Simon Pinard took part in several youth hockey practices at the Ice Palace.

Spending time on Tuesday and Wednesday with a variety of teams — including those in the Learn to Play program — the players skated with the kids, guided them through drills, and offered encouragement while keeping the experience fun and uplifting.

A big thank you to Great Clips for providing mini hockey sticks for our Be A Mentor visits, and to Neal Brothers for providing book marks for all of our reading buddies participants!

Welcome to the South Carolina Stingrays Community Corner!

This week, we’re excited to spotlight an initiative we’re proud to support for the second consecutive season: Players with a Purpose.

Players with a Purpose allows fans to purchase tickets through player-specific links. Each player selects a charitable organization that is meaningful to them, and a portion of the proceeds from their ticket link is donated directly to that organization. It’s a great way to support both your favorite Stingray and an important cause in our community.
To learn more about the initiative, visit the link HERE!


Community Events Recap

The Stingrays closed out the final week of January with several impactful community visits across the Lowcountry.

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
On Thursday, #18 Kyler Kupka and #22 Ludwig Persson visited patients at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital for a special Valentine’s visit. The two spent the afternoon playing air hockey, getting creative with drawings, and sharing plenty of smiles along the way. They also handed out Valentines to the kids, adding an extra touch of fun to the day. 


The team made a few visits this week to connect with students through reading and interactive hockey activities.

  • On Tuesday, #3 Nolan Krenzen and #42 Jordan Klimek stopped by Be A Mentor. They spent the afternoon teaching kids the basics of hockey and even playing a game outside!
  • On Wednesday, #5 John Fusco and #19 Stanley Cooley visited Westview Elementary, where they read to a third-grade class  and read The One and Only Ivan to the class.

 

Lumber Jills 

On Tuesday, #2 Romain Rodzinski, #4 Connor Mayer, #7 Charlie Combs, #10 Ben Hawerchuk, #17 Patrick Thomas, #22 Ludwig Persson, #30 Ty Taylor, #43 Patrick Guzzo and #47 Simon Pinard headed to Lumber Jills Axe Throwing. The players spent the evening meeting fans, throwing axes and supporting a great cause, Jeans Angels.

Youth Hockey

Stingrays players were actively involved with local youth hockey programs again this week. #13 Dean Loukus, #23 Lynden Breen, #35 Seth Eisele, and Cool Ray took part in several youth hockey practices at the Ice Palace.

They visited on Tuesday and Wednesday giving them the opportunity to connect with a variety of teams, including those in the Learn to Play program. The players jumped on the ice with the kids, helped with drills, shared advice, and created a fun, encouraging environment!

A big thank you to Great Clips for providing mini hockey sticks for our Be A Mentor visits, and to Neal Brothers for providing book marks for all of our reading buddies participants!

Welcome to the South Carolina Stingrays Community Corner!

This week, we’re excited to spotlight an initiative we’re proud to support for the second consecutive season: Players with a Purpose.

Players with a Purpose allows fans to purchase tickets through player-specific links. Each player selects a charitable organization that is meaningful to them, and a portion of the proceeds from their ticket link is donated directly to that organization. It’s a great way to support both your favorite Stingray and an important cause in our community.


To learn more about the initiative, visit the link HERE!


Community Events Recap

The Stingrays closed out the final week of January with several impactful communityvisits across the Lowcountry.

MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital
On Tuesday, #2 Romain Rodzinski and #4 Connor Mayer visited MUSC Shawn Jenkins to spend time with patients. The players enjoyed an afternoon of air hockey, creative drawing, and plenty of smiles—highlighted by some impressive butterfly artwork from the kids and players!

School Visits
The team made multiple school stops this week to connect with students through reading and interactive hockey activities.

On Tuesday, #5 John Fusco and #19 Stanley Cooley visited Westview Elementary, where they read to a third-grade class and spoke with students about the importance of reading and teamwork.

On Wednesday, #15 Josh Wilkins and #74 Connor Moore visited First Baptist School of Charleston. They met first with the kindergarten class to introduce what hockey is. The players then spent the rest of the afternoon teaching floor hockey fundamentals to older grades, encouraging participation, sportsmanship, and lots of fun!

Youth Hockey
Stingrays players were also heavily involved with local youth hockey programs this week. #4 Connor Mayer, #77 Charlie Combs, #22 Ludwig Persson, #30 Ty Taylor, and Cool Ray joined several youth hockey practices at the Ice Palace.


Visits took place across Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, allowing the players and Cool Ray to reach multiple teams, including the Learn to Play program. Players skated alongside the kids, ran drills, offered tips, and helped inspire the next generation of hockey players both on and off the ice.

A big thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield for providing soft pucks for our Floor Hockey Program participants, and to Neal Brothers for providing book marks for all of our reading buddies participants!

Be sure to check back next week for the latest Community Corner and more ways the Stingrays are making an impact across the Lowcountry!

Tuesday, January 6 – MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital 
Tuesday afternoon, #7 Charlie Combs and #10 Ben Hawerchuk visited MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The players spent time with young patients and their families, offering encouragement and helping brighten the day for everyone they met.

Tuesday, January 6 – Famulari’s Cane Bay
Tuesday evening, #2 Romain Rodzinski, #5 John Fusco, #9 Reilly Webb, and #47 Simon Pinard headed to Famulari’s Cane Bay for a fan meet-and-greet. The players enjoyed chatting with fans, signing autographs, and even trying their hand at making a few drinks alongside the staff.


Wednesday, January 7 – Belle Hall Elementary
On Wednesday, #18 Kyler Kupka and #42 Jordan Klimek visited Belle Hall Elementary, where they read to third-grade classes. The players spoke with students about the importance of reading, teamwork, and following their goals.

Wednesday, January 7 – Be A Mentor
Later that afternoon, #26 Kaden Bohlsen stopped by Be A Mentor downtown to introduce kids to floor hockey. The session focused on having fun, staying active, and learning the fundamentals of the game in a supportive environment.


Thursday, January 8 – Hanahan Elementary
On Thursday, Cool Ray visited Hanahan Elementary to read Dino-Hockey to students. The energetic visit kept students engaged and reinforced positive messages about perseverance and sportsmanship.

Thursday, January 8 – Carolina Ice Palace
Thursday evening, #9 Reilly Webb and #35 Seth Eisele joined a 10AA practice at the Carolina Ice Palace. The players worked directly with the team, offering tips, encouragement, and insight into what it takes to compete at the next level.


Friday, January 9 – A.C. Corcoran Elementary School
Friday afternoon, Cool Ray visited A.C. Corcoran Elementary School to read to students and share a message about never giving up. The visit emphasized resilience, confidence, and believing in yourself.

Friday, January 9 – Outslide In 

Later that evening, #30 Ty Taylor, #77 Ryan Hofer, and Cool Ray headed to Outslide In for the first Kids Club event of the season. Families enjoyed a fun-filled night with games, autographs, and the chance to connect with players in a relaxed setting.

A special thank you to Neal Brothers for their support of our Reading Buddies Program, Great Clips for sponsoring our Be A Mentor visits, and Outslide In for hosting our Kids Club event.

Monday, December 1 – Charleston Police Department
We kicked off the month of December by joining the Charleston Police Department to wrap holiday gifts for families supported by Ronald McDonald House Charities. It was a heartfelt way to start the season of giving.

Wednesday, December 3 – West Ashley
On Wednesday morning, our staff attended a special house dedication ceremony in West Ashley for a home we helped build over the summer with Habitat for Humanity. We were honored to meet the family moving in and surprised them with a Christmas tree, generously provided by Blanton and Sons.

Thursday, December 4 – Be A Mentor
Cool Ray made a cheerful trip to Summerville on Thursday for Carolyn Lewis Elementary’s Winterfest. He had an amazing time playing with students, sharing high-fives, and welcoming new young fans into the Stingrays family.

Friday, December 5 – Carolina Ice Palace
To wrap up the week, Cool Ray visited Bridges of Hope at the Carolina Ice Palace. He spent the evening meeting kids, posing for photos, and making memories that will last far beyond the ice.

Saturday, December 6 – North Charleston Coliseum
Saturday marked our annual Teddy Bear Toss game—and what an incredible night of giving it turned out to be! More than 15,000 teddy bears were collected and distributed to nine local organizations, helping create joyful moments for families this holiday season.

A special thank-you goes to Blanton and Sons for donating Christmas trees to families in need, and to Crews Chevrolet for proudly sponsoring our Teddy Bear Toss game.

Monday, November 17 – Carolina Ice Palace
Cool Ray kicked off the week by joining youth hockey practice at the Carolina Ice Palace. He hit the ice, ran drills, and helped inspire the next generation of hockey stars!

Tuesday, November 18 – Downtown Charleston
In the morning, Cool Ray attended One80 Place’s 13th Annual Turkey + $20 event, where he had a great time meeting fans and helping raise funds to support those in need this holiday season.

Tuesday, November 18 – Be A Mentor
Later that afternoon, Cool Ray visited Be A Mentor, where he played floor hockey with the kids and handed out mini sticks—bringing smiles, laughs, and a little hockey fun to everyone.

Wednesday, November 19 – Daniel Island School
Cool Ray visited Daniel Island School’s World Fair, where he learned about different cultures and enjoyed connecting with students and families.

Saturday, November 22 – Downtown Charleston
To wrap up the week, Cool Ray joined Girls on the Run at Hampton Park for their annual 5K. He cheered on the runners, met fans, and helped celebrate empowerment and community.

A big thank you to Great Clips for providing mini sticks for our visit to Be A Mentor!

Tuesday, November 11 – Carolina Ice Palace

#3 Nolan Krenxen, #19 Stan Cooley, and #26 Kaden Bohlsen kicked off the week by joining the 12A Blue and 12AA teams for practice. They ran drills, shared tips, and spent quality time on the ice with the young athletes.

Wednesday, November 12 – Stono Elementary

#10 Ben Hawerchuk, #15 Josh Wilkins, and #74 Connor Moore stopped by Stono Elementary to teach first graders the basics of hockey. The students even got to scrimmage with the players at the end of the session.

Wednesday, November 12 – Westview Elementary

While some players were at Stono, #4 Conor Mayer, #5 John Fusco, and #9 Reilly Webb visited Westview Elementary to kick off our first Reading Buddies session of the season. The players introduced themselves, answered questions, and helped spark enthusiasm for reading.

Wednesday, November 12 – MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital

#11 Mitch Deelstra and #23 Lynden Breen spent the afternoon at MUSC visiting patients, playing games, and delivering Taylor Swift–themed friendship bracelets ahead of Eras Night. Their visit brought plenty of smiles and excitement!

Thursday, November 13 – GREEN Charter School

#42 Jordan Klimek spent time reading to multiple classes at GREEN Charter before hosting a Q&A session where students asked all their best hockey questions.

Thursday, November 13 – North Charleston Coliseum

That evening, #9 Reilly Webb, #13 Dean Loukus, and #25 Scott Docherty joined youth hockey practices for the 10A and 10B groups. They helped run drills, teach new techniques, and encourage the next generation of players.

Saturday, November 15 – Mount Pleasant Memorial Waterfront Park

The Stingrays hosted their third NHL Street Clinic at Mount Pleasant’s Memorial Waterfront Park for students from Chicora Elementary and Lowcountry Youth Services. Many of the kids were brand-new to hockey, and they learned fundamental stick- and ball-handling skills.

In the second hour, #5 John Fusco and #7 Charlie Combs joined as team captains for an officiated scrimmage. Each participant went home with an NHL Street jersey, a Stingrays backpack, and two tickets to that night’s game.

A big thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield for providing soft pucks for our Floor Hockey Program participants, and to Neal Brothers for providing book marks for all of our Reading Buddies participants!

As we continue an exciting season, we’re thrilled to see our players back out in the community that supports them. Be sure to check out the Community Corner in our Blueline each week to follow all the ways the Stingrays are making a positive impact—both on and off the ice!

Monday, October 27 – Carolina Ice Palace #11 Mitch Deelstra and #19 Stan Cooley kicked off the week by joining the 8U team at the Carolina Ice Palace for practice. The players had a blast working on drills and spending time with the young athletes.

Tuesday, October 28 – West Ashley High School Cool Ray brought the fun to West Ashley High School’s annual Trunk or Treat! He loved dressing up, meeting fans, and passing out Halloween candy to all the kids.

Thursday, October 30 – Carolina Ice Palace #2 Romain Rodzinski and #42 Jordan Klimek visited the 10U AA team to work with players on improving their on-ice technique and overall game skills.

Thursday, October 30 – Goose Creek, SC Meanwhile, Cool Ray kept the Halloween celebrations rolling with a visit to Hutchinson + Associates’ Trunk or Treat. He had a great time celebrating the holiday while helping support the Goose Creek Food Pantry.

Friday, October 31 – Pepperhill, SC Cool Ray wrapped up the week at Pepperhill’s Trunk or Treat, rocking his Garfield jersey and handing out candy to local kids. As we kick off another exciting season, we’re thrilled to see our players back out in the community that supports them.

Be sure to check out the Community Corner in our Blueline each week to see how the Stingrays continue to make a positive difference both on and off the ice!