Stingrays sign Hammond

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 Tariq Hammond for the 2020-21 season.Hammond, 26, is preparing for his third professional season after playing in 56 games with South Carolina in 2019-20 while on an AHL contract with Hershey. The Calgary, Alberta native led the Stingrays with a +29 rating that was tied for sixth in the ECHL while totaling 14 points (3g-11a). Hammond also finished with an even or better rating in 31 straight games from Oct. 19 to Jan. 19.Before signing with Hershey, Hammond spent most of his first pro campaign with the AHL’s Binghamton Devils during the 2018-19 season, appearing in 43 games.Prior to turning pro, Hammond played four seasons at the University of Denver from 2014-18. During that time, he helped the Pioneers capture the 2017 NCAA National Championship while playing in all the team’s 44 games and totaling nine points (3g-6a). Hammond served as Denver's captain in 2017-18, helping lead the team to an NCHC conference title. In total, Hammond played in 125 NCAA games with the Pioneers and scored 26 points (6g-20a).