The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional ice hockey team that is based in North Charleston, South Carolina. They are a member of the ECHL, which is a minor professional league in North America. The team has gained popularity not only for their games but also for their mascot, Cool Ray. Cool Ray is a stingray character who serves as the official mascot of the South Carolina Stingrays. He has become an integral part of the team's brand and creates a fun and engaging atmosphere during their games. Cool Ray's appearance is that of a friendly and approachable stingray, with a big smile and lively eyes.
The Stingrays also have a history of flashy names passing through, serving as a farm team for two separate AHL teams (and, by extension, their NHL clubs as well). From the Hershey-and-Washington side of things, recent names getting their professional starts with the ‘Rays have included Michal Neuvirth & Braden Holtby. They also have ties to the Charlotte Checkers (and, by extension, the Carolina Hurricanes).
The Stingrays also have a history of flashy names passing through, serving as a farm team for two separate AHL teams and, by extension, their NHL clubs as well. Operating in a relatively small market makes a close relationship with the community a necessity for the Stingrays, and it s something that the team does well.
Cool Ray's appearance is that of a friendly and approachable stingray, with a big smile and lively eyes. As a mascot, Cool Ray's main objective is to entertain the audience and create a memorable experience for fans. He firmly believes in engaging with the crowd, whether it's dancing in the aisles, high-fiving fans, or participating in entertaining skits during the game breaks.
Good Times to Be Found at a Stingrays Game
Few Capitals fans will ever have an easy option when it comes to attending a South Carolina Stingrays game. The ECHL team is one level below the AHL’s Hershey Bears, and based about 500 miles from Washington. The closest they ever come to the nation’s capital is Reading, PA – a locale that they visited twice this season. But South Carolina residents, far removed from Verizon Center and even further from Giant Center, have found a fun and exciting glimpse of the hockey world at North Charleston Coliseum.
The Stingrays were Summerville resident Denise Seymour’s first introduction to hockey, and it clearly made a good impression: She’s been a season ticket-holder for ten years. “It’s awesome. I love it. They’ve always done good for us. Only one year they didn’t make the playoffs. Watching them win the Kelly Cup in 2000-2001 was the best.”
Cool Ray, one of the SC Stingrays mascots (Photo courtesy of the Stingrays Website)
Operating in a relatively small market makes a close relationship with the community a necessity for the Stingrays, and it’s something that the team does well. Home games actively work to present a family-friendly atmosphere, ticket prices are kept affordable, and theme nights are even more common than they are up in Hershey (Green Ice! Pink Ice! Bike Night!). For smaller fans, not only do the team’s two mascots regularly make the rounds, but there’s a moonbounce located on the concourse. As with Hershey, one of the benefits to a tightly knit fan community is the opportunity for local groups to take turns performing the national anthem – last Friday, it was a middle school choir.
Like Hershey, the Stingrays have won their fair share of championships: Three Kelly Cups in the franchise’s 19 seasons, with the latest victory coming in 2008–09.
The Stingrays also have a history of flashy names passing through, serving as a farm team for two separate AHL teams (and, by extension, their NHL clubs as well). From the Hershey-and-Washington side of things, recent names getting their professional starts with the ‘Rays have included Michal Neuvirth & Braden Holtby. They also have ties to the Charlotte Checkers (and, by extension, the Carolina Hurricanes).
Currently, they’re home to one of the year’s “Golden Goalies” and two “Silver Skaters” (fan-voted awards that the league is bestowing in lieu of an All Star Game this year). German netminder (and Washington Prospect) Phillipp Grubauer is considered one of the league’s best goaltenders, and many vocally advocate his readiness for the AHL. Had it not been for the signing of veteran Tomas Vokoun in Washington, it’s very likely Grubauer would be a regular fixture in chocolate town this year. Charleston certainly isn’t complaining about the delay, though they’re used to seeing their best players bounce up and down as the domino effect of call-ups and injuries takes their toll. Right now, three Stingrays’ forwards are currently playing with the Bears: Daniel Koger (F), Maxime Lacroix (F), and Matt Pope (F).
If you’re looking for more convincing, wander over and take a look at Five Reasons We Love the ‘Rays.
Phillipp Grubauer sports the Golden Goalie jersey, the ECHL equivalent of an All Star Game nomination this season. Tricycle races! The Zamboni caravan. Cool Ray poses with fans. The puck toss! Then kids run out and get them. Players yelling at each other in the penalty box. These games are unpredictable. Sometimes, convertibles just drive out onto the ice.
Like Hershey, the Stingrays have won their fair share of championships: Three Kelly Cups in the franchise’s 19 seasons, with the latest victory coming in 2008–09.
Cool Ray often interacts with children, making them feel special and creating lifelong memories. One of the most iconic moments during a South Carolina Stingrays game is when Cool Ray "flies" around the arena. This captivating performance sees Cool Ray soaring above the ice, gliding on cables, and thrilling the audience with acrobatic maneuvers. It's an awe-inspiring sight that truly showcases his skills as a mascot. Cool Ray is more than just a mascot; he is a symbol of team spirit and community involvement. He frequently visits local schools, hospitals, and charity events, spreading joy and making a positive impact in the community. Cool Ray also takes part in various promotional activities, such as hosting birthday parties for young fans or participating in charitable fundraisers. In conclusion, Cool Ray is an integral part of the South Carolina Stingrays hockey team. His engaging and entertaining presence brings joy to fans of all ages during the games. With his charismatic personality and commitment to community involvement, Cool Ray epitomizes the spirit of the South Carolina Stingrays..
Reviews for "Finn's Adventures on the Road: Traveling with the South Carolina Stingrays Mascot"
1. John - 1 out of 5 stars:
I recently attended a South Carolina Stingrays game and was highly disappointed with their mascot. The character was poorly designed and lacked any real personality. It seemed like a last-minute addition to their lineup, with no thought put into its appearance or performance. Additionally, the mascot's interactions with the crowd were lackluster and uninspiring. Overall, I found the South Carolina Stingrays mascot to be one of the weakest I have ever seen at a sporting event.
2. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars:
The South Carolina Stingrays mascot just didn't do it for me. It lacked originality and creativity. The costume design looked outdated and boring. The mascot's movements and gestures were awkward and seemed forced. Its attempts to interact with the crowd fell flat and lacked any real energy. I was really looking forward to seeing an exciting and engaging mascot, but unfortunately, the South Carolina Stingrays mascot did not meet my expectations.
3. David - 1 out of 5 stars:
I found the South Carolina Stingrays mascot to be extremely underwhelming. It lacked any charm or excitement, and its appearance was forgettable. The costume design seemed cheap and poorly made. The mascot's antics during the game felt forced and didn't add anything to the overall atmosphere. I left the game feeling disappointed and unimpressed with the South Carolina Stingrays mascot.
4. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars:
I was not impressed with the South Carolina Stingrays mascot. It lacked enthusiasm and failed to engage the crowd properly. The character seemed outdated and didn't fit the overall vibe of the game. The mascot's movements were stiff and unnatural, making it hard to connect with the audience. Overall, I was disappointed with the South Carolina Stingrays mascot and felt that it could have been a lot better.