Nightingale departs Stingrays for AHL

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, announced that Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Jared Nightingale has been named as the next Head Coach of the Chicago Blackhawks AHL affiliate, Rockford IceHogs.

Prior to his arrival in South Carolina, Nightingale spent three seasons as an assistant coach with the IceHogs, where he worked closely with the Blackhawks’ top prospects and helped Rockford reach the Calder Cup Playoffs each year.

Nightingale departs after a historic and record-setting season behind the Stingrays' bench. During his lone season with South Carolina, the 42-year-old led the team to a 52-15-5 regular season record, setting new franchise marks for wins (52), points (109), and home victories (29). He received 2024-25 John Brophy Award as ECHL Coach of the Year and helped the Stingrays secure the Brabham Cup for the second time in team history as the ECHL’s best regular season record.

“When we named Jared as our next head coach last summer, we knew we were getting a special person and coach. We are very appreciative of Jared for his commitment and leadership to Stingrays hockey this past season,” said Stingrays President Rob Concannon. “In his short time with the Stingrays, he did a remarkable job reestablishing a fun, exciting, and competitive brand of Stingrays hockey. Jared did a great job connecting with our players, front office staff, fans, and everyone he came in contact with. He will do a terrific job in the AHL, and we wish him nothing but the best in Rockford.”