Stingrays players got the chance to play street hockey and share the game they love with kids in their community.
Many teams in the ECHL have long been committed to serving their communities. It’s a chance for fans to connect with the team, and it allows players, coaches and staff to promote hockey in a direct way.
On Wednesday, the South Carolina Stingrays held a special Community Night at the Community Resource Center (CRC). Three Stingrays players—Micah Miller, Kyler Kupka, and Reilly Webb—volunteered their time to play street hockey with local kids, sign autographs, and share their love of the game.
The event provided an unforgettable experience for children in the community while introducing them to hockey.
In addition to street hockey games, the kids were also gifted with team merchandise, creating an opportunity for young fans to connect with the players and learn more about the sport. ServiceMaster of Charleston, a Stingrays corporate partner, provided free ice cream for all attendees, making the night an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Louis Smith, Executive Director of the Community Resource Center, highlighted the event's impact on the children and the broader community.
“This event benefits these kids for several reasons,” Smith said. “It introduces them to a new sport, it inspires them to study and look at hockey, and it also brings a cultural thing to these young kids.”
For the Stingrays players, the experience was equally rewarding. Miller reflected on the importance of connecting with local kids.
“I’d say the most fun part was just getting to know the kids,” Miller said. “A lot of them don’t know a ton about hockey, but I feel like we kind of sparked an interest for them, and they seemed to really enjoy it.”
Kupka echoed this sentiment, adding, “I loved seeing how much fun the kids had, getting outside with them, and playing some street hockey. They were loving it.”
Webb also noted the joy that the children brought to the event.
“The kids all had fun outside playing hockey, and they all had smiles on their faces,” Webb said. “That’s what I loved about it.”
The Stingrays are proud to work with local organizations like the Community Resource Center, give back to the fans who support them, and encourage a new generation of hockey fans.