South Carolina Stingrays Will Open 2026-27 Season
The Stingrays start the new campaign on October 16 before hosting their home opener at North Charleston Coliseum.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Hockey
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The South Carolina Stingrays will kick off their 2026-27 hockey season on October 16 against the Jacksonville Ice Men. Following the road trip, the team returns to the North Charleston Coliseum for their home opener on October 17.
Why it matters
The team enters the year with a revamped coaching staff and a roster featuring five to six returning players. Management expects the squad to compete for the Kelly Cup, a title the organization has not secured since 2009.
The roster features five or six returning players, while the first 2,500 fans attending the home opener will receive a commemorative team magnet.
The players
South Carolina Stingrays
A professional minor league hockey team based in North Charleston that competes in the ECHL.
Jacksonville Ice Men
A professional hockey team that serves as the season-opening opponent for the South Carolina Stingrays.
Greenville Swamp Rabbits
A professional hockey team that acts as the opponent for the Stingrays home opener.
The details
The franchise looks to leverage a fresh coaching staff to boost performance throughout the 2026-27 season. Supporters can see the new group in action during the home opener against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
Timeline
The team last secured the Kelly Cup championship in 2009.
The season opener against Jacksonville takes place on October 16, 2026.
The home opener against Greenville is scheduled for October 17, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This campaign serves as a major test for the new coaching staff as they attempt to elevate the team back to the status of a Kelly Cup contender. The performance of the five or six returning veterans will be critical to the team's ability to climb the league standings this year.
The first 2,500 fans arriving at the North Charleston Coliseum on October 17 will receive a promotional team magnet. The season opener on October 16 serves as the official start of the team's pursuit of a playoff position.
The takeaway
The team faces a significant transition period with a new coaching staff and a mostly new roster this year. Fans should monitor early game outcomes to see how the new lineup chemistry develops compared to previous seasons.
Further reading
For more updates on local ice action, visit the Hockey section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WCBD 2 - Charleston.
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