The South Carolina Stingrays are bringing back the edge that fans loved last season. On Monday, the team announced that forward Ben Hawerchuk has re-signed for the 2025–26 ECHL season, ensuring his physical presence and gritty style remain a staple in Charleston.
A Hard-Nosed Style
Hawerchuk made his Stingrays debut last season, appearing in 36 games and producing four goals and six assists. While his 10 points added value on the scoresheet, it was his physical edge that truly stood out. His 123 penalty minutes ranked second on the roster, and fans quickly noticed his willingness to battle in tough areas and defend his teammates.
Head Coach Dave Warsofsky also praised those qualities. “Ben brings a physical edge and a team-first mentality that really separates him from others. He’s always willing to stick up for his teammates, and at the same time, he’s able to contribute offensively and make an impact on the scoresheet” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2025).
Experience Across the League
Before arriving in Charleston, Hawerchuk spent time with Cincinnati, Jacksonville, and Brampton, building a reputation as a steady two-way forward. His breakout year came in 2021–22 with Jacksonville, where he scored 18 goals and 17 assists in 65 games. Overall, he has logged 140 ECHL appearances, collecting 29 goals and 33 assists.
His pro journey also took him overseas, where he added an international dimension to his game. In Italy, Hawerchuk played five games for Meran/Merano (AlpsHL), scoring a goal and four assists for five points. In Sweden, he suited up for Östersunds IK (HockeyEttan), where he tallied 12 goals and 11 assists for 23 points in 33 games, plus another four points in six qualification contests. He also brought his physical edge to the UK, skating in 13 games with the Fife Flyers (EIHL), where he chipped in three goals and four assists for seven points.
After spending the entire 2020–21 season in Sweden, Hawerchuk returned to North America for the 2021–22 campaign with Jacksonville, where he immediately made his mark with career-best numbers. Following additional stints in Europe, he signed with the Stingrays ahead of the 2024–25 season, bringing his mix of toughness and experience back to the ECHL.
Those overseas experiences challenged him to adapt to new styles of hockey while still playing his brand of hard, physical hockey. That versatility now adds even more value to the Stingrays’ lineup heading into 2025–26.
For Hawerchuk, re-signing with South Carolina was an easy choice:
“We had a great season last year and we have a good group of those core guys coming back this year. It will hopefully be another exciting season for us players and the fans as well” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2025).
Looking Ahead
As the Stingrays gear up for another run in the South Division, Hawerchuk’s return gives the roster a dependable blend of toughness and offensive upside. His physical presence, combined with veteran perspective, makes him the kind of player fans love to cheer for and opponents hate to line up against. Expect him to once again set the tone when the puck drops in 2025–26.
SOURCE: South Carolina Stingrays. (2025, September 1). Ben Hawerchuk inks deal with Stingrays for 2025–26 season.
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