ECHL: Prokop Brothers Reunite With South Carolina Stingrays

Brothers Josh Prokop and Luke Prokop have agreed to terms with South Carolina, putting them on the same roster for the first time since they played together with the Calgary Hitmen during the 2020-21 WHL season.

Josh Prokop Returns From a Championship Season

Josh arrives in South Carolina after a championship season overseas with the Herning Blue Fox. In 47 regular-season games, the 26-year-old forward recorded 36 points (17G, 19A) before elevating his production during the postseason.

Over 14 playoff games, Josh added 12 points (7G, 5A) as Herning captured the Danish championship. The Blue Fox also earned a bronze medal in the IIHF Continental Cup, adding another accomplishment to his season in Denmark.

The move overseas followed Josh’s first taste of professional hockey in North America. After completing his collegiate career in 2024-25, he joined the Bakersfield Condors for seven AHL games and recorded three points (1G, 2A).

Josh wanted his next stop to provide an opportunity to keep developing while joining an organization with an established history of success.

“After having a great season in Denmark, I wanted to find a place where I could continue to grow as a player and contribute to a team with a long history of a winning culture,” Josh said. “The Stingrays felt like the right fit from the start” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2026).

Production at the University of Alberta

Long before Josh began producing professionally, offense was a consistent part of his game at the University of Alberta.

Across four seasons, he recorded 113 points (53G, 60A) in 104 regular-season games. His sophomore campaign produced his highest single-season total, with 37 points (18G, 19A) in 28 games during 2022-23.

Josh remained productive over his final two seasons, recording 29 points (14G, 15A) in 2023-24 and another 27 points (12G, 15A) in 2024-25. His role extended beyond the scoresheet as well, with Josh serving as Alberta’s captain during both seasons.

South Carolina Head Coach Jesse Kallechy sees that offensive history as one of the elements Josh can bring to the Stingrays.

“He’s a player who was highly sought after coming out of college because of his skill, hockey sense, and ability to produce offensively,” Kallechy said. “We think he’ll bring another level of creativity to our lineup and be a player our fans will enjoy watching” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2026).

Luke Prokop Returns to the South Division

While Josh spent last season in Denmark, Luke continued building his professional résumé in the AHL.

The 24-year-old defenseman appeared in 42 games for the Bakersfield Condors during 2025-26, recording 11 points (3G, 8A). It marked his most productive AHL season to date after spending the previous year with the Milwaukee Admirals, where he posted four points (1G, 3A) in 31 games.

South Division fans, however, have seen Luke before.

His last ECHL season came with the Atlanta Gladiators in 2023-24, when the 6-foot-6, 220-pound defenseman recorded 28 points (5G, 23A) across 55 games. Luke also received nine appearances with Milwaukee that season and added two assists.

He now returns to the ECHL with more AHL experience than he had when he last played at this level. Kallechy pointed to Luke’s combination of size, experience, defense, and offensive ability when discussing what South Carolina expects him to bring.

“His size, AHL experience, and ability to defend while also creating offense gives us a player who can make an impact in every situation,” Kallechy said. “We think he has everything it takes to be one of the best all-around defensemen in the ECHL, and we’re excited to have him with the Stingrays this season” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2026).

From the WHL to Professional Hockey

Luke’s professional path followed six seasons in the WHL and consecutive championships with two different teams.

A third-round selection, 73rd overall, by the Nashville Predators in the 2020 NHL Entry Draft, Luke produced one of his strongest junior seasons with the Edmonton Oil Kings in 2021-22. He recorded 33 points (10G, 23A) in 55 regular-season games before adding 16 points (4G, 12A) in 19 playoff appearances as Edmonton captured the WHL championship.

One year later, Luke did it again with a different organization. He joined the Seattle Thunderbirds for 2022-23, recording 21 points (4G, 17A) in 43 regular-season games before helping Seattle win the WHL championship and advance to the Memorial Cup.

His first professional experience also came during that season. Luke appeared in eight games with the Norfolk Admirals, scoring one goal before moving into the professional ranks full-time the following year.

Brothers Back on the Same Side

For all the places their careers have taken them, South Carolina brings Josh and Luke back to something they haven’t experienced in several years: playing on the same team. The brothers last shared a roster with the Calgary Hitmen during the shortened 2020-21 WHL season. Josh captained the team, while Luke served as an alternate captain.

Their careers separated from there. Josh moved through the University of Alberta, the AHL, and Denmark, while Luke’s path included two WHL championships followed by time in the ECHL and AHL.

Now those paths meet again in South Carolina.

“I know my parents are very excited to only have to travel to one spot to watch us play,” Luke said. “But it’s extremely exciting to play with Josh again and be able to watch his success on the ice in person” (South Carolina Stingrays, 2026).

The reunion adds another layer to two signings that already bring different types of experience to the Stingrays. Josh arrives following a championship season in Denmark, while Luke returns to the ECHL after two seasons in the AHL. For the first time since their Calgary days, they’ll get to take that next step wearing the same sweater.

SOURCE: South Carolina Stingrays. (2026, August 13). Stingrays ink deals with Prokop brothers.