The South Carolina Stingrays, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Washington Capitals and the AHL's Hershey Bears, have announced today they have agreed to terms for the 2026-27 season with defenseman Romain Rodzinski.
Rodzinski returns to South Carolina after a career year, setting new career highs in goals (9), assists (24), and points (33). He led all Stingrays defensemen in goals and points in the regular season and had the second best +/- with a +13 rating. In the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the 6-foot-1, 190 pound defenseman had four points (3g, 1a) in 11 games. His three goals were tied for the most among defensemen in the postseason.
“We are very excited to have Romain back for the upcoming season,” said Stingrays Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “He is a player who makes a big impact on the ice with how he can change a game offensively from the back end. Also, his impact in the community is a big reason why getting him resigned was a priority for us. We believe that as good as he has been the last two seasons that he still has a lot of room to grow.”
Last season, the 24-year-old also made six appearances in the American Hockey League, signing professional tryout contracts with the Syracuse Crunch and Hershey Bears, skating in six games between the two clubs.
“I think the biggest thing is to stay consistent and keep improving,” said Rodzinski. “Last season gave me a lot of confidence, but I know I can still get better in every area of my game. I want to come into this season ready to work, contribute every night, and help the team win as much as possible.”
Off the ice, the Lausanne, Switzerland native was a pillar in the Lowcountry community. Rodzinski supported more than 20 community initiatives and dedicated over 30 hours to causes ranging from youth programs and children’s hospitals to local fundraising events, earning him the 2025-26 ECHL Community Service Award.
“I’ve always felt a strong connection with this organization and the community, so being able to come back means a lot to me,” Rodzinski said. “I’m grateful for everything this place has given me, and I’m excited to be back around the fans, my teammates, and the whole organization. I’m looking forward to getting started and having a great season.”
The blueliner was acquired by the Stingrays from the Idaho Steelheads during the 2024-25 season. After joining South Carolina that year, he had 21 points (8g, 13a) with a +29 rating in 27 games. Rodzinski broke into professional hockey during the 2023-24 season with Idaho, logging 13 points (3g, 10a) in 40 games. In his ECHL career, Rodzinski has 70 points (20g, 50a) in 139 career games.
Rodzinski joins a defensive core of Justin Bean, Aidan Hreschuk, Connor Moore and Luke Prokop for Head Coach Jesse Kallechy for the 2026-27 season.