JOHNS ISLAND, S.C. – South Carolina fans got a chance to root for a former member of the local ECHL team, who will become the first former Stingrays’ player to have his name engraved on the National Hockey League Championship Trophy, the Stanley Cup. Rich Peverley, a member of the NHL Champion Boston Bruins joined the team near the NHL trade deadline from the now relocated Atlanta Thrashers. While in South Carolina during the 2004-05 season, he appeared in 69 regular season games racking up 30 goals and adding 28 assists under former Stingrays’ Coach Jason Fitzsimmons. Both Fitzsimmons and popular defenseman Nate Kiser, who began his Stingrays’ career that season, told local observers that it was apparent that Peverley was destined for the NHL based on his talent and work ethic. Undrafted out of college, Peverley, a 6’0”, 200 lbs. forward came to South Carolina after playing NCAA hockey with St. Lawrence University. A native of Guelph, Ontario, he is on almost every ones “all-time Stingrays’ team” based on his effort and results for just one season here in the low country. He made his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators in 2007. He has 60 goals and 91 assists in 276 NHL games playing with Nashville, Atlanta, and Boston. His season changed dramatically this year when he went from running out the string with the non-playoff bound Thrashers to the thick of the playoffs and eventually a game seven of the Stanley Cup final series. Boston beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-0 in last night’s game seven matchup. Boston played in three game seven preliminary series on their way to their first cup win in 39 seasons. Peverley scored four goals and added eight assists in 25 playoff games. Stingrays President Rob Concannon congratulated Peverley in a team press release. “We wish to congratulate Rich on becoming the first Stingrays player to win the Stanley Cup. He played with us in 2005 and was one of the top players in the league that season. As a Bostonian, I grew up watching the Bruins and to see where Richie is and where the team is, it’s incredible. When the Bruins acquired Rich at the trade deadline a few months back, they were hoping he could help them win a Stanley Cup and I believe he has been one of their best players throughout the playoffs. He has played many key roles and scored some big goals. It is a special time for Stingrays fans and the city of Boston. ” Contact the author at Phil.Brand@prohockeynews.com
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