Stingrays bring back Lees

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 defenseman Jesse Lees for the 2020-21 season. Lees, who joined the Stingrays late last season after finishing his collegiate career at Mount Royal University, returns to the team’s blue line where he posted six points (3g-3a) in nine games during February and March.The 24-year-old totaled 18 points (7g-11a) in 16 games with Mount Royal last season before beginning his professional career in South Carolina. During his college career, Lees played a total of 95 games and accounted for 78 points (34g-44a). In addition, Lees added eight points (3g-5a) in 15 playoff games during the last four seasons.Lees' first professional goal came in overtime on Feb. 23 during his second game to defeat the Worcester Railers and clinch the Stingrays a spot in the postseason. He later scored in back-to-back contests in Idaho against the Steelheads March 6-7.Prior to attending school, Lees spent parts of five seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Prince Albert Raiders and Kelowna Rockets. The Calgary, Alberta native posted a total of 162 points (55g-107a) in 294 games as well as a +48 rating. Lees appeared in 24 WHL postseason contests, scoring eight points (3g-5a).