Axemen's Fioretti signs with ECHL S. Carolina Stingrays

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and AHL's Hershey Bears, have agreed to terms with forward Sam Fioretti for the 2018-19 season. The Calgary, Alberta native will begin his professional career with the Stingrays after 4 years at Acadia University and four seasons with the Moose Jaw Warriors in the Western Hockey League.

"We talked to Sam through the spring. He was a really good player for Acadia, which is a very well-coached program," said Stingrays Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Ryan Warsofsky. "He had a really good regular season and was one of their leaders. We've followed him the last couple of years and he has some energy, brings grit and plays on the edge. We're really happy to bring him in next season."

"Being a guy that played my major junior hockey in Moose Jaw and living in Canada I like the idea of going down and experiencing time in the states while playing hockey," said Fioretti. "Talking to Coach Warsofsky, we developed a little bit of a relationship and through word of mouth I found out that people who have played in South Carolina love it down there. It just seemed like a great opportunity and a great spot to continue my career."

Fioretti, 24, had 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 23 games as a senior with Acadia during 2017-18 and finished his career with the Axemen after 102 games and 61 points (27 goals, 34 assists). The 5-foot-10, 180-pound attacker also starred for Moose Jaw from 2010-2014, racking up 200 points in 269 career WHL contests. Fioretti's top campaign with the Warriors came during 2012-13 when he totaled 75 points (32 goals, 43 assists) in 72 contests. The following season he served as team captain and recorded 55 points in 65 appearances.

"I'm a two-way forward and played center for my entire university career but I can play the wing as well," Fioretti said. "I define myself as a two-way forward that can create some offense but I'm also very reliable in my own end."

A leader on and off the ice, Fioretti was named the CHL's Humanitarian of the Year in 2014 after making a big impact in the Moose Jaw community during his fourth and final WHL season.

"I'm excited for the opportunity," Fioretti said. "I'm going to put the time in over the summer to get ready and I'm excited to come down there and help the team win in any way possible."

Fioretti becomes the fourth forward to sign with South Carolina for 2018-19 and the fifth skater overall, joining Matt Pohlkamp, Bo Brauer, Cam MacDonald and defenseman Mike Chen. More player signings are expected to be announced in the coming days and weeks.

The 26th season of South Carolina Stingrays hockey begins in Jacksonville against the Icemen on Oct. 13. The Stingrays will open their home schedule vs. Greenville on Saturday, Oct. 20.