Washington Capitals extend ECHL deal with South Carolina Stingrays through 2029

The Washington Capitals have extended their ECHL affiliation with the South Carolina Stingrays through the 2028-29 season.

What happened?

The Capitals and the South Carolina Stingrays announced a new multi-year affiliation deal on Monday. Senior Vice President and General Manager Chris Patrick called the extension a chance to keep building on a winning culture. The Stingrays have been the Capitals’ ECHL partner since 2013-14 and also from 2004-05 through 2011-12.

Why it matters for Washington Capitals

The affiliation gives Washington’s prospects a high-level proving ground. Last season, two players who suited up for the Capitals had logged time with the Stingrays: goalie Logan Thompson and defenseman Clay Stevenson. Thompson starred in 2025-26, posting a 31-21-6 record, 2.44 GAA, .912 SV% and four shutouts in 58 games. Stevenson ranked second in the ECHL in GAA (2.54) during his lone Stingrays season in 2022-23 and later went 3-1-0 with a 2.00 GAA and .921 SV% in four NHL appearances.

Head coach Spencer Carbery spent five seasons running the Stingrays from 2011 to 2016. He went 207-115-18-20, reached the Kelly Cup Playoffs every year and won the 2014 John Brophy Coach of the Year Award. Carbery was named the 2025 Jack Adams Award winner after leading Washington to the second round.

How the Stingrays have fared

South Carolina has missed the ECHL playoffs just three times in 20 seasons with Washington. The Stingrays claimed the 2009 Kelly Cup, three conference titles since 2015 and the 2024-25 Brabham Cup after a league-best 109 points. Last season they finished 45-23-1-3, good for second in the South Division and third in the Eastern Conference, before falling in the Division Finals. The club is three-time Kelly Cup champs (1997, 2001, 2009) and has reached six finals.

What comes next?

The Capitals are ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 43-30 record and riding a four-game win streak. The extended affiliation keeps the development pipeline open as Washington eyes a deeper playoff push. Patrick said the partnership has helped prospects grow both on and off the ice. Stingrays president Rob Concannon called it a chance to keep delivering top-tier hockey while giving Capitals prospects game experience.

The Capitals’ next game is at home against the New York Rangers on July 15.