Marking his team’s sixth defensive signing, South Carolina Stingrays head coach Ryan Warsofsky signed Wade Epp to his third professional season — all with South Carolina.
The Chilliwack, British Columbia native played big minutes in 2015-16 for South Carolina, and finished the season with 18 points (six goals, 12 assists) in 51 contests. He collected a +7 rating and finished with 137 penalty minutes. He also appeared in 18 playoff games, notching six points (one goal, five assists). As a rookie in 2014-15, Epp collected 20 assists and 88 penalty minutes in 61 games. He also appeared in all 27 playoff games, notching four assists, in the team’s run to the 2015 Kelly Cup Finals.
“He is a big piece of our core group,” Warsofsky said. “He is a defensive defenseman who has come a long way. He logs a lot of minutes, is great on the penalty kill, and obviously is a leader in the locker room. He’s a big part of what we are going to do this year.”
Epp, a four-year standout at Northern Michigan University, played a large portion of last season in a non-primary role. His veteran presence helped Colton Saucerman evolve from his collegiate career to play in the ECHL. Epp only missed one game during South Carolina’s 19 game playoff run in 2016.
“I love South Carolina,” said Epp. “I consider it my second home. I’m very excited to be back, and I’m looking forward to having a good season and going on another big run. Ryan Warsofsky ran the defensemen the last few years, so we have a great relationship and I’m very comfortable with him. I’m really looking forward to going to battle for him.”
The Stingrays now have five forwards and six defenders on the roster. The preseason will open for South Carolina with a three-game series against the Alaska Aces; the regular season will open October 22nd against the Greenville Swamp Rabbits.
