The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and the AHL's Hershey Bears, have announced today they have signed forward Ryan Sandelin for the 2026-27 season.
Sandelin, 27, signs with South Carolina following two seasons with the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League. Last season with the Wild, the 6-foot, 185 pound forward had nine points (4g, 5a) in 58 games after logging 15 points (7g, 8a) the year prior. He also made three appearances with the Iowa Heartlanders during the 2024-25 season, notching three assists.
“We are thrilled that Ryan chose to continue his career with the Stingrays,” said Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “He combines talent with his work ethic and his experience will allow him to play in all situations.”
“The Stingrays stood out,” said Sandelin. “They’re a first class organization with a strong winning tradition in the ECHL. Everything I’ve heard from guys who have played for the Stingrays previously have said from the ownership all the way down to the fans in Charleston, that it’s the best place to play in the ECHL. The coaching staff has given me a great opportunity to help grow my game individually and I’m excited to be part of a team that has high standards and a real shot to contend for a Kelly Cup this upcoming season.”
The Hermantown, MN native started his professional career at the the end of the 2022-23 season, signing with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL, scoring once in four games. He spent the next season with the Eagles skating in 37 games, totaling nine points (6g, 3a), in addition to seven appearances with the Utah Grizzlies where he had three goals and three assists. In his AHL career, Sandelin has 34 points (18g, 16a) in 149 games while he’s produced nine points (3g, 6a) in 10 career ECHL games.
“I’m looking to bring the experience I’ve gained at both levels and use it to help the group every day on and off the ice,” said Sandelin. “In the AHL, you learn how to compete consistently against high-end talent so bringing that compete level each day is something I take a lot of pride in as a player. Most importantly, I want to be a reliable presence for the team and be a player who his teammates and coaches can count on each night to bring his best.”
Sandelin joined Colorado after a four-year career with NCAA Division I Minnesota State-Mankato where the Mavericks won the CCHA in both his junior and senior season. In 128 games at Minnesota State, Sandelin had 76 points (43g, 33a) including a career high 34 points (21g, 13a) in 2021-22, where he paced the Mavericks in goals.
His father, Scott, was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens in the 1982 NHL Draft and then played four seasons at the University of North Dakota before playing in the NHL, AHL and IHL. Scott skated in 25 games in the NHL for the Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota North Stars. He moved into coaching following his retirement in 1992 and now has been the Head Coach of the University of Minnesota-Duluth since 2000.
Sandelin becomes the ninth newcomer to the Stingrays roster for the 2026-27 season and 10th forward to join the club this year along with Zack Andrusiak, Luka Burzan, Charlie Combs, Alex Dostie, Adam and Justin Hall, Timothy Heinke, Tyler Weiss and Josh Wilkins.