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 Timothy Heinke for the 2026-27 season.
Heinke, 24, broke into professional hockey with the Stingrays playing in four games at the end of last season after signing with South Carolina on March 26 and now prepares for his first full season of professional hockey.
“We're really happy to have Timothy back with our team after the way he finished last season,” said Stingrays Head Coach Jesse Kallechy. “He came in from college, fit in with the group right away, and showed he could make an impact on the ice. We're excited to have him back and can't wait to see him come to camp and compete with the rest of the group.”
“Getting those games at the end of last season gave me a good understanding of what the pro level demands,” said Heinke. “The biggest difference isn’t just the skill, it’s the speed of the game and how quickly you have to make decisions. Every shift matters and there’s very little room for mistakes. I’m coming into this season with a lot more confidence because I know what to expect, and I’m excited to build on that experience and keep improving every day.”
The Kensington, CT native joined the organization after a four-year NCAA Division I career, last with the College of the Holy Cross. With the Crusaders, Heinke had 35 points (17g, 18a) in 77 games, including a career year in 2024-25, setting a career high in goals (12) and points (19).
The 6-foot-1, 194 pound forward transferred to Holy Cross after two seasons at Quinnipiac University, where he helped the Bobcats win the NCAA National Championship in his freshman season in 2022-23.
Prior to his collegiate career, Heinke spent the 2021-22 season with the South Shore Kings of the National Collegiate Development Conference, where he led the NCDC in goals (34) and totaled 49 points in 45 games. He also played high school hockey at Avon Old Farms School from 2017-2021, the same school that has produced multiple players to have long, successful careers such as NHL Hall of Famer Brian Leetch, three-time Stanley Cup Champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick, and two-time Stanley Cup Champion Nick Bonino.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to South Carolina for the 2026-27 season,” said Heinke. “My experience with the Stingrays at the end of last season made the decision an easy one. I saw firsthand the organization’s commitment to player development, the culture in the locker room, and the incredible support from the fans. I believe this is the best place for me to continue developing as a player while contributing to a team that’s committed to winning. I’m excited to come back, compete every day, earn my role, and do whatever I can to help the team succeed.”
Heinke is the eighth forward to sign for the 2026-27 season joining Zack Andrusiak, Luka Burzan, Charlie Combs, Alex Dostie, Adam and Justin Hall and Tyler Weiss.