NORTH CHARLESTON , S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays announced today that veteran defenseman Nate Kiser will return to the ECHL team for the 2010-11 season. The 28 year-old is on schedule to play his 400th regular season game with the ‘Rays a little past the mid way mark of the coming season. Kiser is such an institution in the “ Holy City” area of Charleston, that the team’s Facebook page exploded with fan comments shortly after the news was released. There was concern that the popular veteran would retire this off season. In the team’s press release, Coach Cail MacLean stated that “Nate brings value to our team in many different ways. He is a steady presence on the blue line, his ability and willingness to stand up for his teammates is second to none and he provides veteran leadership. We can count on Nate to be a leader who will hold himself and his teammates to a very high standard that hinges upon work ethic and results.” What may be just as important is the reception and instant recognition the big 6’1”, 210-lbs defenseman receives among Stingrays’ fans. Invariably the loudest cheer for any member of the starting lineup for the Stingrays at home, comes when Kiser is introduced at the North Charleston Coliseum. He doesn’t get the same cheers on the road, as he has amassed 1006 penalty minutes, since joining the ‘Rays at the start of the 2004-05 season. A large portion of the minutes come from his willingness to drop the gloves with the opposition. Additionally, he has adapted so well to low country living that he adopted the area as home. His game night introductions come with a twist as his hometown is announced as Hanahan, South Carolina, a small suburb of Charleston. While Kiser’s official records show his home town as Southgate, Michigan (near Detroit), he now lives here year round. Kiser played in 50 games last season, racking up 94 penalty minutes and 11 points with one goal. Overall, he has 20 goals in his 103 career points with South Carolina. While his scoring totals may not make him a fan favorite, there are a number of reasons why he is so popular. To elaborate a little on Coach MacLean’s comments, Kiser is a solid reliable and dependable defenseman, who has anchored the Stingrays’ blue line for his previous six seasons here. He is outstanding on the penalty kill. Second, while not quick to drop his gloves, he is a tough and feared battler, who generally is among the team leaders in penalties and fighting majors each season. Third, he has a blistering slap shot and while he may not score a lot of goals, fans know when he gets a chance the big, booming and hard slap shot is coming. No one has to yell “shoot the puck” when he gets a chance to fire. Several fans commented via the social media that today’s announcement had made their day. That seems to ring true for all Stingrays’ fans. Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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