Big news for Stingrays fans: one of the ECHL’s most productive forwards is coming back to North Charleston. And this move raises an interesting question: should a player who’s performing this well be in the ECHL at all? Let’s break it down.
Forward Jalen Luypen has officially returned to the South Carolina Stingrays after being released from his professional tryout contract (PTO) with the AHL’s Hershey Bears, the top affiliate of the NHL’s Washington Capitals.
Luypen, 23, signed his PTO with Hershey on December 12 and immediately jumped into action. He suited up for the Bears in Friday night’s matchup against the Providence Bruins and again on Saturday night versus the Charlotte Checkers. In that second game, he made a clear impact, finding the back of the net in Hershey’s commanding 4–0 win. For a short stint, that is a pretty strong impression.
But here’s where it gets interesting: despite producing in limited AHL action, he’s heading back to the ECHL. Some might argue he deserved a longer look at the higher level—do you agree, or do you think this is the right move for his development?
Back with the Stingrays, Luypen returns as one of the league’s most dangerous offensive threats. The Kelowna, British Columbia native has appeared in 20 games for South Carolina so far this season, racking up 25 points with 11 goals and 14 assists. To put that into perspective, his 11 goals are tied for the fourth-highest total in the entire ECHL, and his 25 points also place him tied for fourth overall in league scoring. That’s not just good—it’s elite production at this level.
And this is the part most people miss: Luypen isn’t some random breakout story. His resume has been building toward this.
Originally selected by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 7th round of the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, Luypen began his pro career in the 2022–23 season. After spending five seasons developing in the Western Hockey League (WHL), he stepped into the professional scene by appearing in the Calder Cup Playoffs with the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs. Jumping from junior hockey straight into playoff action at the AHL level is no small feat and says a lot about how organizations view his potential.
Over the past two seasons, Luypen has spent the majority of his time with Rockford, gaining valuable experience against tougher competition. Across 120 AHL games, he has totaled 34 points (12 goals and 22 assists). While those numbers might not leap off the page compared to his ECHL stat line, this kind of production in a more demanding league is often part of a longer development curve. Many players take time to fully translate their skills at higher levels.
He also saw ECHL action last season with the Indy Fuel, where he played in five games and recorded three points (1 goal, 2 assists). For a brief assignment, that’s steady output and further proof that he consistently finds ways to contribute offensively wherever he goes.
So here’s a potential hot take: a player tied for fourth in both goals and points in the ECHL, with AHL and playoff experience, might be too good to stay at this level for long. Some fans might argue that he should already be locked into a full-time AHL spot, while others might say more ice time and confidence-building in the ECHL could be the smarter path. Where do you stand on that?
The Stingrays are back on home ice this afternoon at the North Charleston Coliseum, with puck drop scheduled for 3:05 p.m. They’ll face off against the Savannah Ghost Pirates in a special themed event: Spongebob Squarepants Day and Undie Sunday, presented by Gildan. It’s the kind of family-friendly, high-energy atmosphere that newer fans and longtime supporters can both enjoy.
If you are planning ahead or want to catch more games, you can view the full Stingrays schedule on their official website.
And here’s something many larger groups overlook: group tickets can significantly cut costs and make attending games far more affordable and fun. If you are organizing an outing for friends, coworkers, youth teams, or community groups, you can save money with group ticket packages. For more details or to purchase group tickets, you can:
- Call the Stingrays front office at 843-744-7418, or
- Fill out and submit the group ticket request form available on their website.
To stay updated on roster moves like Luypen’s return, game promotions, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, be sure to follow the Stingrays on social media:
- Facebook: South Carolina Stingrays Hockey
- Twitter (X): @SCStingrays
- Instagram: @stingrayshockey
These channels are where you’ll see breaking news, player features, and plenty of content that goes beyond just the final score.
Now it’s your turn:
Do you think Jalen Luypen should already be a regular in the AHL, given his current ECHL numbers? Or is returning to the Stingrays the best move for his long-term development and confidence? And if you’re a Stingrays fan, are you excited to see him back in the lineup, or do you wish he’d stuck in Hershey longer?
Share your thoughts—do you agree with how this was handled, or would you have done it differently if you were running the roster?
