“We are excited to extend our affiliation with South Carolina for a fifth season,” McPhee said. “It has been a terrific place for our prospects to play, highlighted by their deep run into the playoffs this spring. We look forward to continued success.”

Seven Capitals prospects spent at least some time with South Carolina in 2007-08, as the Stingrays finished 47-22-2-1 and advanced to the conference finals. Capitals draft pick Travis Morin led the Stingrays in scoring and finished third in the ECHL with 84 points (34 goals, 50 assists) in 68 games.

Nine players who have played for the Stingrays are currently under contract with Washington : Sean Collins, Viktor Dovgan, Andrew Gordon , Daren Machesney, Patrick McNeill, Morin, Sasha Pokulok, Steve Pinizzotto and Kyle Wilson.

“I’m looking forward to another year here in Charleston ,” Bednar said.  “After last year’s success, I am excited for the season to begin so we can work towards our third Kelly Cup Championship.”

In May the Capitals renewed their affiliation agreement with the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League.