Stingrays Sign Former Vernon Viper Brian Elser:

The East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) South Carolina Stingrays have signed former Vernon Vipers forward Brian Elser.    Elser started the season with the Southern Professional League's (SPHL) Fayetteville FireAntz playing in 22 games collecting (9-8-17) before being called up to the East Coast Hockey League's (ECHL) Gwinnett Gladiators.  The Gladiators signed Elser on January, 15th 2013 to a one game contract before returning Elser to the SPHL Fayetteville FireAntz after playing just one game.  Elser was then signed by the Stingrays, in seven games with South Carolina Elser has (1-1-2).

Mark Ferner scouted Elser who was 18 at the time, at the U.S. Midget championships in Buffalo. Elser attended the 2008-2009 Vipers training camp making the Vipers opening day roster before being traded on September, 12th 2008 to the AJHL Drayton Valley Thunder for future considerations (cash) and a player to be named next year. In two games with the Vipers Elser collected one assist. Rumor was Elser didnt report to the Thunder and his rights were given back to Vernon. On August, 7th 2009 the Vipers traded Elser and future considerations to Victoria for Jonathan Milhouse.

Brian Elser's Player Profile:

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=47131

This is posted on the Stingrays website:

Stingrays Sign Forward Brian Elser

February, 6th 2013

By: Joseph Zakrzewski

North Charleston, S.C. – The South Carolina Stingrays, celebrating 20 seasons of hockey in the Lowcountry and proud ECHL affiliate of the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL), announced today that the team has signed forward Brian Elser. In keeping with club policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Currently in his first professional season, Elser, 23, skated in 29 games with the Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League netting 12 goals and 10 assists for 22 points. The Hopewell Junction, New York, native appeared in one ECHL contest this season with the Gwinnett Gladiators adding no points. Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot, 190-pound forward attended Manhattanville College for two seasons totaling 32 points (19 goals, 13 assists) in 47 games.

The Stingrays return to the North Charleston Coliseum on Friday, February 8 to host the Evansville IceMen for the first time in team history at 7:05 p.m. Friday is Nerd-Con featuring the Carolina Garrison! Characters from the classic move “Star Wars” will be walking the concourse. Grab four tickets, four hot dogs, four sodas and large popcorn for $55 with the Stingrays Family Four Pack at the Coliseum Box Office.