Breaking News for Stingrays Fans! Jalen Luypen is back in the fold, returning to the South Carolina Stingrays after a brief stint with the Hershey Bears. This is exciting news for the team, but let's dive into the details!
The South Carolina Stingrays, the ECHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals (NHL) and the Hershey Bears (AHL), made the announcement today. Luypen, a forward, had been on a professional tryout contract (PTO) with the Bears.
Luypen, 23 years old, signed the PTO on December 12th. During his time with Hershey, he played in two games: Friday night against the Providence Bruins and Saturday night against the Charlotte Checkers. He even managed to score a goal in the Bears' impressive 4-0 victory!
Before his call-up, the Kelowna, British Columbia native had already made a significant impact with the Stingrays, appearing in 20 games this season. He's racked up an impressive 25 points, with 11 goals and 14 assists. His goal count ties for fourth most in the ECHL, and his total points also rank fourth in the league.
But here's where it gets interesting... Luypen was originally drafted by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 7th round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft. He made his professional debut in the 2022-23 season, playing in the Calder Cup Playoffs for the Rockford IceHogs after spending five seasons in the Western Hockey League.
During his time with Rockford, Luypen played in 120 games, earning 34 points (12 goals, 22 assists). The 5-foot-10, 171-pound forward also played in five games last season with the Indy Fuel, where he recorded three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
What does this mean for the Stingrays? Luypen's return is a boost to their offensive capabilities. His scoring ability and experience will be valuable as they continue their season.
The Stingrays are back in action this afternoon at the North Charleston Coliseum at 3:05 p.m. against the Savannah Ghost Pirates for Spongebob Squarepants Day and Undie Sunday, presented by Gildan.
Want to save some money? Group tickets are available! For more information or to purchase, contact the Stingrays by phone at 843-744-7418.
Stay updated! Follow the Stingrays on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
Final Thought: Do you think Luypen's return will significantly impact the Stingrays' performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
