Defenseman Blake Thompson will be back playing in the ECHL for the first time since the 2021-22 season after signing with the South Carolina Stingrays for the 2023-24 season. The 31-year-old defenseman spent the last two seasons in the EIHL as he played in 54 games with the Cardiff Devils in the 2022-23 season, putting up five goals and 17 assists for 22 points in 54 games and played in 54 games last season with the Coventry Blaze putting up five goals and 21 assists for 26 points. Prior to going overseas, Thompson spent parts of six seasons in the ECHL, putting up 14 goals and 52 assists for 66 points in 240 games while spending time with the Orlando Solar Bears, Cincinnati Cyclones, and Adirondack Thunder. He wore an “A” in his final year in Adirondack. Prior to going pro, Thompson spent five years at St. Norbert College, playing in 112 games, putting up 19 goals and 54 assists for 73 points; he wore an “A” in his final year with the Green Knights.
There’s no question that the Stingrays are completely redefining their blueline with three new faces already signed on the team’s blueline. Thompson is a player who will bring some offense to the Rays blueline as well as adding another veteran after signing Jacob Graves. Heading into next season, you can expect Thompson to be an everyday player and can play top-pairing minutes, but I would expect him to be on the second or third pair for the Rays. Thompson is the sixth signing for South Carolina this off-season.
