North Charleston, SC – The Kelly Cup Champion South Carolina Stingrays and Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Cail MacLean announced today that forward Rob Ricci has signed with the team. In keeping with club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Ricci, 24, returns to the Stingrays after playing in seven playoff contests last season with the team. The Brampton, Ontario native totaled one point (1g) in the postseason as South Carolina claimed their ECHL-record third Kelly Cup title.

“Rob’s high hockey IQ makes him a very versatile player. He will contribute in both ends of the rink and is excellent on draws," said Stingrays Head Coach Cail MacLean. “Rob moved in and out of the lineup during the last season’s playoffs, but was always ready to go. We expect him to continue that consistency and professionalism this year.”

The 5-foot-9, 165-pound rookie also appeared in four games last season with the Las Vegas Wranglers acquiring two assists. Ricci joined the Wranglers after completing his third season at MerrimackCollege. While with the Warriors, Ricci scored 83 points (34g, 49a) in 99 games . Prior to attending Merrimack, Ricci spent two years with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and a full season with the Milton Merchants of the OPJHL. A left-handed shooter, Ricci recently participated in training camp for the AHL’s Lake Erie Monsters.

Mark your Calendars – The Stingrays Opening Weekend is set for Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17.  Friday night, the Stingrays drop the puck on their 17^th season of hockey in the Low Country against the Wheeling Nailers at 7:05 p.m.  It’s FREE PARKING night and Magnetic Schedules Giveaway, courtesy of Comcast, as the Stingrays raise the 2009 Kelly Cup Championship banner to the rafters of the North Charleston Coliseum.  Then, come join us early on Saturday for a tailgate in the parking lot before the Rays face division-rival Charlotte Checkers at 7:05 p.m.  Doors open for both games at 6 p.m.