ECHL: David Warsofsky Named South Carolina Stingray Head Coach

The South Carolina Stingrays have announced David Warsofsky as their new Head Coach, marking the team’s third coaching change since 2022. The news comes as a surprise to many, especially after the Stingrays’ historic 2024 season under Jared Nightingale. Nightingale not only led the team to win the Brabham Cup but also helped the Stingrays achieve their best season in franchise history, earning himself the ECHL Coach of the Year Award. His departure left fans and analysts alike wondering who could possibly fill his shoes.

The Stingrays answered that question by promoting David Warsofsky, a well-known figure in North American hockey circles—both as a player and, more recently, as a rising coach..

“I would like to thank Rob Concannon and Todd Halloran for this opportunity,” said Warsofsky. “My family and I are excited to be a part of the Stingrays organization. Having the opportunity to spend time with the team last season and being at the games gave me an up close perspective of the players, ECHL, and what it takes to be competitive every night.” ~David Warsofsky

From Player to Coach: A Hockey Journey

Warsofsky’s journey in hockey began in the Massachusetts youth leagues, where he quickly stood out as a skilled defenseman. “In 2008, Warsofsky’s early promise shone through when he captained the U.S. Men’s National Team at the IIHF World U18 Championship. That same year, the St. Louis Blues selected him 95th overall in the NHL Draft.”Opting to develop further, he played NCAA hockey for Boston University, where he won the 2009 National Championship as a freshman and later represented Team USA in the 2010 World Junior Championship.

Following the trade of his NHL rights to the Boston Bruins, David Warsofsky completed his collegiate career wearing the “A” as an alternate captain before turning pro. He joined the AHL’s Providence Bruins and made his NHL debut with Boston in December 2013.

Over the next decade, Warsofsky had a diverse professional career, skating for multiple teams in both the NHL and AHL. His NHL resume includes time with the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and Colorado Avalanche. In the AHL, he played for the Providence Bruins, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, San Antonio Rampage (now Henderson Silver Knights), Colorado Eagles, and Chicago Wolves. His leadership on and off the ice was recognized, earning him alternate captain status with the Eagles (2018–19) and the captaincy with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (2019–20).

In the later stages of his playing career, Warsofsky moved overseas to the German DEL, where he played one season with ERC Ingolstadt and two with the Augsburger Panthers. He served as alternate captain in his second DEL season and as team captain in his final season before retiring in 2024.

A Natural Fit in South Carolina

“His playing experience in the AHL and NHL was very valuable this past season in his role for the Stingrays. David served as a special coaching advisor for the Stingrays during the 2024-25 season. He understands and sees the game very well and is familiar with the Stingrays organization and our expectations on and off the ice.”~Stingrays President Rob Concannon

“He brings with him a championship pedigree, elite-level playing experience, a deep understanding of the game, and genuine appreciation for the organization’s culture and standards,”~Stingrays Principal Owner & Governor Todd Halloran.

Shortly after retiring, Warsofsky joined the Stingrays coaching staff in a volunteer and advisory capacity, working closely alongside Jared Nightingale. His transition to Head Coach appears to be a natural progression, especially considering his familiarity with the organization and the coaching staff. His appointment also continues a family legacy—his older brother, Ryan Warsofsky, began his coaching career with the Stingrays as an assistant in 2013, was promoted to Head Coach in 2016, and led the team until 2018.

Looking Ahead

Warsofsky takes the helm at a pivotal time. The Stingrays are coming off a record-setting season and have just submitted their season-ending roster, signaling the start of the offseason signing period. As other ECHL teams begin evaluating and rebuilding their rosters, attention now turns to South Carolina. Can Warsofsky maintain the momentum Nightingale built? Can the Stingrays continue their upward climb under new leadership?

One thing is certain—the Stingrays’ 2025-26 campaign, which kicks off on October 18, will begin with high expectations and a new face behind the bench determined to meet them.