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 forward Josh Prokop and defenseman Luke Prokop.
Josh, 26, enters his second full season of professional hockey following a season with Herning Blue Fox of Metal Ligaen, the top league in Denmark. With the Blue Fox, the 5-foot-11, 185 pound forward had 36 points (17g, 19a) in 47 games in the regular season. In the postseason, Prokop struck for 12 points (7g, 5a) helping lead Herning to a Danish Championship. The Blue Fox also earned a bronze medal in the IIHF Continental Cup.
“After having a great season in Denmark, I wanted to find a place where I could continue to grow as a player and contribute to a team with a long history of a winning culture,” said Josh. “The Stingrays felt like the right fit from the start. I am an offensive minded player, but can be counted on in all situations. I’m a hardworking player that brings consistency on a nightly basis and I take pride in being a great teammate and leader on and off the ice. I look forward to learning more about the city of Charleston and being involved in the community and I can’t wait to get started and compete for a Kelly Cup.”
The Edmonton, Alberta native made his professional debut in the American Hockey League (AHL) during the 2024-25 season, tallying three points (1g, 2a) in seven games for the Bakersfield Condors.
"Josh has had success everywhere he's played, from earning opportunities in the AHL to putting together a strong season in Europe last year,” said Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “He's a player who was highly sought after coming out of college because of his skill, hockey sense, and ability to produce offensively. We think he'll bring another level of creativity to our lineup and be a player our fans will enjoy watching."
He joined the Condors following four years at the University of Alberta where he was the captain his final two seasons and was teammates with Stingrays forwards Adam and Justin Hall. During his sophomore campaign in 2022-23, Prokop paced the Golden Bears with 37 points (18g, 19a) and led the team in goals earning him USports (West) Second All-Star Team honors. In four seasons with Alberta, he tallied 113 points (53g, 60a) in 104 games.
Luke, 24, comes to South Carolina after skating in 42 games last season with the Bakersfield Condors logging 11 points (3g, 8a). A third round pick of the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, he made his professional debut during the 2022-23 season playing in eight games for the Norfolk Admirals, scoring once.
In his first full professional season in 2023-24, Luke skated in 55 games for the Atlanta Gladiators, tallying 28 points (5g, 23a) and made nine appearances for the Milwaukee Admirals, adding two assists. In 2024-25, the Edmonton, Alberta native spent the whole season with Milwaukee, notching four points (1g, 3a).
“Luke Prokop is a massive addition to our blue line,” said Kallechy. “His size, AHL experience, and ability to defend while also creating offense gives us a player who can make an impact in every situation. We think he has everything it takes to be one of the best all-around defensemen in the ECHL, and we're excited to have him with the Stingrays this season.”
Prior to his professional career, Luke spent six seasons in the WHL, last with the Seattle Thunderbirds in 2022-23. The defenseman helped lead the Thunderbirds to a WHL Championship and an appearance in the Memorial Cup. He also won the WHL in 2021-22 with the Edmonton Oil Kings and was named the WHL’s Humanitarian of the Year.
“I’m super excited to play for the Stingrays,” said Luke. “I’ve heard nothing but great things about the organization for many years and I’m excited to add my strong two-way ability and winning mindset to the team for a run at the Kelly Cup.”
The 2026-27 season will mark the first time since the 2020-21 season that Josh and Luke will play together when they were members of the Calgary Hitmen of the WHL.
“Josh and I were able to play with one another for three years in Junior hockey,” said Luke. “I know my parents are very excited to only have to travel to one spot to watch us play, but it’s extremely exciting to play with Josh again and be able to watch his success on the ice in person.”