Stingrays Agree To Terms With NCAA Champion Steven McParland

NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - The South Carolina Stingrays, proud affiliate of the Washington Capitals, have agreed to terms with rookie forward and NCAA National Champion Steven McParland, Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Warsofsky announced today.

"I think the sky is the limit for Steven McParland," said Warsofsky. "We are really excited to add him. He is a strong, quick skater, and someone who is responsible and good on the penalty kill. He competes hard and his character is apparent. He played for a great coach in Nate Leaman at Providence College who demands his team play the right way. Steven has won an NCAA title and knows what it takes to win."

McParland, 25, helped Providence College to an NCAA National Championship in 2014-15. With the Friars, he skated in 129 career games, tallying 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists). Last season, he collected 13 points (four goals, nine assists) in 38 games and blocked 38 shots. The Schreiber, Ontario native also earned Hockey East All-Academic Honors.

"I'm excited to join the Stingrays," said McParland. "I got a call from Ryan Warsofsky this summer and was told South Carolina was interested. As I looked into things, South Carolina sounded like an amazing place and organization. I was really impressed talking with Coach Warsofsky. He made me feel right at home."

The 5-foot-11, 195-pound forward made his professional debut with the Elmira Jackals last season, appearing in six games with four points (one goal, three assists). The rookie is a product of the Kingston Voyageurs of the Ontario Junior A Hockey League (OJHL). He earned MVP honors in 2011-12 after recording 55 points (25 goals, 30 assists) in 47 games. McParland's older brother, Nick, has spent parts of three seasons in the ECHL and appeared in 49 games last season with Brampton.