Gillies, via the Stingrays
South Carolina Stingrays head coach Ryan Warsofsky announced to signings this week: Kelly Cup Champion Danny Frederico from the Allen Americans, and returning tough-guy Trevor Gillies.
Frederico played his first professional season in Allen, Texas after a four-year career at Quinnipiac University in Connecticut. The Acton, Massachusetts native appeared in 65 regular season games and 10 playoff games, totaling one goal and 10 assists.
“As I became a free agent, my agent was talking to some teams and mentioned South Carolina was interested,” said Federico. “From everyone I talked with, I heard nothing but good things about the organization, the coaches, the ownership, and the fans. The place speaks for itself.”
His Bobcats appeared in the NCAA Tournament three consecutive times, including a berth in the Frozen Four and Championship game in 2013, a loss to Yale.
“We feel Danny is on the right track, and he has already mastered the toughest task: He knows what type of player he is,” Warsofsky said.
Gillies returns to the ECHL for his 18th professional season. The former New York Islander notched two assists in an injury-shortened 46 games played while totalling eight fights. He also fought once in the playoffs, a Game 6 scrap with Ryan Lomberg of the Adirondack Thunder.
“What people don’t get to see is what he brings to the team in the locker room. His leadership is a huge piece of the puzzle in winning a championship,” Warsofsky said.
The Cambridge, Ontario native did earn one assist in the Kelly Cup Playoffs during South Carolina’s 19 game run.
“After the year we had last year, it was an easy decision to come back to South Carolina,” Gillies said. “I love my teammates, and the group we had was like one big family.”
Gillies remained a fan favorite in the Lowcountry, his physical style bringing the cheers even amid defeat. During the last seconds of the Stingrays’ season, the North Charleston Coliseum chanted for Gillies to skate out one more time.
Now, their is one more season for the Cambridge Crusher.
