Cherniwchan returns for seventh season with Stingrays

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. - The South Carolina Stingrays, ECHL affiliate of the National Hockey League’s Washington Capitals and American Hockey League’s Hershey Bears, have agreed to terms with forward Andrew Cherniwchan for the 2018-19 season.

Cherniwchan has played 144 regular season games for South Carolina in his professional career, spending time with the Stingrays during parts of six seasons from 2011-17. The Stingrays have been the only ECHL team the 29-year-old has played for in his career since first signing with the club during the second half of the 2011-12 season. Cherniwchan has scored a total of 103 points (47g-56a) during the regular season with South Carolina and also has 20 points (10g-10a) in 34 postseason appearances.

Two seasons ago, the native of Hinton, Alberta had 29 points (11g-18a) in 36 games before posting 16 points in 22 playoff games during the team’s run to the Kelly Cup Finals. During 2015-16, Cherniwchan in 55 games for the Providence Bruins of the AHL, accounting for eight points (4g-4a). His time in the AHL has included 173 regulr-season games with Utica, Providence and Springfield, scoring a total of 46 points (25g-21a).

Before turning pro, Cherniwchan played for Northern Michigan University for four seasons from 2008-12. During his collegiate career, he scored 84 points (35g-49a) in 146 games. In 2009-10, he helped lead the Wildcats to an NCAA Tournament appearance and a fourth-place finish in the CCHA league standings. The forward also served as an alternate captain for NMU during his senior season.