(via the Stingrays)
The South Carolina Stingrays introduced Spiros Anastas as the franchise’s eighth head coach in their 26-year history on Tuesday. The move was first reported by Andrew Miller of the Charleston based newspaper, The Post and Courier. Anastas replaces Ryan Warsofsky who took an assistant coaching job with the Charlotte Checkers.
“Although there are big shoes to fill with the departure of Ryan, and we are very happy for Ryan and his new exciting opportunity, we are very confident that we have established a hockey staff that will continue the winning tradition of Stingrays hockey,” said Stingrays Owner Todd Halloran.
Anastas, 33, has spent the last four seasons at the University of Lethbridge, about 120 miles south if Calgary, Alberta. While coaching the Pronghorns, Anastas led the team to a 36-68-8 record. He resigned on Friday looking to “pursue another coaching opportunity” according to the team’s website. Prior to joining the Pronghorns he was an assistant coach with the Grand Rapids Griffins in the American Hockey League (AHL) during the 2013-14 season and was in their analytics and scouting department during their 2013 Calder Cup Championship.
The Stingrays are coming off a historic season that saw them upset in the first round of the Kelly Cup Playoffs in a surprising sweep by the Orlando Solar Bears. The Stingrays will start their 26th season with a new coach and a new owner.
