There is not a better affiliation in the ECHL than what the South Carolina Stingrays have with the Washington Capitals. I’m sure many teams will say they have a great affiliation, but I firmly believe the partnership the Stingrays and Capitals have is second to none. The good news there? The Capitals extended its affiliation agreement with the Stingrays for two more seasons earlier this year.
The Capitals, who won the President’s Trophy as the NHL’s top regular season team, are lead by superstar Alex Ovechkin and by Vezina Trophy Winner, and former Stingray, Braden Holtby. It was my honor to be joined last week by John Walton, the Voice of the Capitals, to discuss the summer so far, the organization, the team’s prospects, and just how special this affiliation is.
Walton has been the Voice of the Capitals since 2011 after calling three Calder Cup Championships with our great AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. We had the pleasure of having him down in the Lowcountry during our run to the 2015 Kelly Cup Finals. Walton spoke very highly of the affiliation between the two clubs, and the Charleston area as well. In our conversation, it was also noted that both Capitals goaltenders, Holtby, and Philipp Grubauer, both played for the Stingrays to start their pro careers, and that developing goaltending is a key role the ECHL plays.
I also had a chance to ask Walton about the amazing season that Holtby had. He tied Martin Brodeur’s record of 48 wins in a single season, won the Vezina Trophy, and finished with an insane 48-9-5 record with a 2.20 goals against average and .922 save percentage. Being with Hershey before Washington, Walton isn’t surprised at all as to how special the former Stingray has turned out.
Capitals Prospect Development Camp was held June 28-July 2, and Walton has a chance to attend the Camp and even broadcast the Camp Scrimmage. Former Stingray Tyler Lewington took part in the camp, as did Dylan Margonari and goalie Adam Carlson who both dressed for the Stingrays in the playoffs.
Carlson, who the Capitals signed as a Free Agent out of Mercyhurst College after just one season, is someone who caught the eye of many at camp. The goalie is a late bloomer after being cut by the Edina (MN) High School Hockey team and using two solid seasons in the NAHL to get a college scholarship. Carlson is one of many goalies in the Capitals system, and got a great look at camp in addition to 2015 1st round pick, Ilya Samsonov.
After a long playoff run with the Stingrays, and a fantastic rookie season that saw him finish as a member of the ECHL’s All-Rookie Team, goalie Vitek Vanecek was given a rest and was one of several prospects who were told to go home rather than attend Prospect Development Camp. Vanecek’s solid first season in North America is expected to earn him a spot with Hershey in the AHL next year. I asked Walton about Vanecek’s adjustment to the pro game on this side of the pond and his progression so far.
Lastly, I asked Walton about something on many Capitals fans minds…who might be the next prospect to make the team? Our AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, made an amazing run to the Calder Cup Finals. Many prospects such as Jakub Vrana, Chandler Stephenson, and former Stingray Nathan Walker, could all be in the NHL sooner than later. Walton spoke about Hershey’s run, the prospects that stood out (including Lewington) and how there are some spots to be had.
I want to thank John for his time and his insight. His willingness to take some time to chat with me is a big part of what makes this affiliation great. I look forward to working with John again this season, as well as adding more Capitals and Bears content to our broadcasts.
What else makes our partnership with the Capitals so special? Off the top of my head: Our coaching staff attends Capitals camps and works with Capitals staff. Our athletic trainer and equipment manager get to work several preseason games and NHL Training Camp with the Capitals. Last season 9 players who skated with the Stingrays took part in NHL Training Camp with the Capitals. Our AHL affiliate is with Hershey, one of hockey’s most historic franchises and an 11-time champion. Former Stingrays goalie and coach Jason Fitzsimmons is a scout for the Capitals and keeps a close tab on Stingrays and ECHL players. Including Fitzsimmons, Capitals staff regularly works with the team. Each month, Washington’s Associate Goaltending Coach Scott Murray spends a week in the Lowcountry or on the road with the team. Goaltending Coach Mitch Korn (pictured with Vanecek and Carlson during the playoffs) also made numerous visits to work with the team last year, as did former NHL All-Star Goalie and Capitals Pro Development Coach, Olaf Kolzig. Not to mention Capitals front office, PR, broadcast and media staff have been a treat to work with.
We’ll have more on our partnership with the Capitals, and Hershey, throughout the summer. It is a great partnership that saw all three teams in the organization win their division title last year. Now we just need a Stanley Cup in DC, the Calder Cup to return to Hershey and the Kelly Cup back where it belongs, out of Allen, and in the Lowcountry.
Have a great week Stingrays (and Capitals and Bears) fans!
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