The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and the AHL's Hershey Bears, have announced today they have re-signed veteran forward Josh Wilkins for the 2026-27 season.
Wilkins returns for his fifth season with South Carolina after skating in 52 games last year for the Stingrays. The Raleigh, NC native logged 45 points (21g, 24a) last season, second most on the club. His 21 goals also ranked second, and was one shy of tying his career high of 22 which he set in the 2024-25 season. In the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the forward tallied six points (1g, 5a), helping the Stingrays to the South Division Finals.
“We're excited to have Josh back with the Stingrays for another season,” said Stingrays Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “He's a proven scorer who was a leader offensively last year, and his leadership on and off the ice makes him a huge part of our group. Josh does a great job representing both the Stingrays and our community, and we're looking forward to having him lead the way again this season.”
In his four seasons with the Stingrays, Wilkins has been the team’s leading scorer twice, in 2022-23 and 2024-25. In his first year with South Carolina in 2022-23, the 5-foot-11, 185 pound forward set his career high in points (62) and assists (41). Wilkins has played in 210 games with the Stingrays, striking for 202 points (84g, 118a). His 84 goals are ninth most in franchise history while his 118 assists and 202 points are both 12th most in franchise history.
Prior to his time with South Carolina, the forward spent the 2021-22 season playing 47 games between Vasterviks IK and HC Vita Hasten of HockeyAllsvenskan, the second-highest league in Sweden. Wilkins finished with 20 points (9g, 11a) that year.
Before going to Sweden, the 29-year-old spent the majority of two seasons in the AHL. Wilkins broke into professional hockey with the Milwaukee Admirals in 2019-20, totaling 15 points (3g, 12a) in 56 games. The following year, Wilkins skated in 25 games with the Tucson Roadrunners, adding five points (3g, 2a). He also played in five games for the Florida Everblades, notching an assist.
“This summer has been good getting ready for the season,” said Wilkins. “I’ve skated every Monday with the Stingrays alumni and played in the 3Ice summer tournament and we did really well. Now going into year five, I want to continue to help everyone in the room grow as players and people, and continue to play Stingrays hockey. I don’t want to just help us get to the playoffs but get us out of the South Division so we can bring a Kelly Cup back to this city.”
Wilkins joins Charlie Combs, Timothy Heinke and Connor Moore as returners for the 2026-27 season under the direction of Head Coach Jesse Kallechy.