The South Carolina Stingrays have secured forward Mitch Deelstra, who brings size and a proven scoring touch to the Lowcountry. At 26 years old, the Wallace, Ontario native arrives with a mix of NCAA captaincy experience, BCHL scoring success, and his first taste of professional hockey already under his belt. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 201 pounds, Deelstra will provide the Stingrays with a versatile left shot capable of playing both wing and center.
From College Captain to the Pros
Deelstra wrapped up his collegiate career at Robert Morris University last season, where he wore the “C” as co-captain. In 35 games, he registered 12 goals and 17 points, playing heavy minutes and setting the tone physically. Once the Colonials’ season concluded, he immediately transitioned to the pro game with the Reading Royals, scoring twice in nine games and adding one assist in the playoffs. That short stint gave him a glimpse of the ECHL’s pace and physical demands — experience that should serve him well entering a full season in Charleston (South Carolina Stingrays, 2025).
Head Coach David Warsofsky sees Deelstra as an ideal fit.
“We’re really excited to have Mitch join us as a Stingray,” Warsofsky said. “He got a taste of the ECHL last season, and I know he’s eager to prove himself at this level. Mitch brings great size and a physical edge to his game, and I think that style is going to fit perfectly with how we want to play here in Charleston. He’s the kind of player who isn’t afraid to get into the hard areas, and make it difficult on the opponents to defend” South Carolina Stingrays, 2025).
NCAA Path and Junior Roots
Before arriving at RMU, Deelstra skated a season at Northern Michigan University and spent three years with Ferris State University. Across his five years in college hockey, he totaled 56 points (31 goals, 25 assists) in 147 games, carving out a reputation as a reliable two-way forward with a physical edge.
Deelstra’s journey began at the junior level with the Listowel Cyclones (GOJHL), where he posted back-to-back 20-goal seasons and helped capture a league championship in 2017–18. From there, he moved west to the Alberni Valley Bulldogs (BCHL), notching 46 points in 2019–20 and establishing himself as one of the Bulldogs’ most consistent offensive threats.
Player’s Perspective
For Deelstra, joining the Stingrays represents more than just the next stop — it’s a chance to cement his place as a pro.
“I’m incredibly excited to join the South Carolina Stingrays and be part of such a respected organization,” Deelstra said. “I’m looking forward to contributing on and off the ice and I can’t wait to get started with my teammates and the fans in Charleston” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2025).
Looking Ahead
Deelstra is the Stingrays’ first newcomer announced for the 2025–26 season. With his mix of size, leadership, and proven production at every level, he will be expected to bring a physical presence and secondary scoring punch as South Carolina shapes its roster for another competitive campaign.
SOURCE: South Carolina Stingrays. (2025, August 19). Mitch Deelstra joins Stingrays for 2025-26 campaign [Press release].
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