Former Journeyman Player David Warsofsky Focusing On a Long Term Goal For The Team 

Jeff Walker - Entertainment Writer

You can feel it and see it in the air. When leaves start to fall, the humidity drops, and the temperatures begin to cool down, you know it's time for two things to take place in the low country of Charleston. Without question, when fall comes around it's time for the Coastal Carolina Fair and for the South Carolina Stingrays season to kick off.

The Stingrays return this 2025-26 season with David Warsofsky as their new head coach. While he's had plenty of experience at all levels in professional hockey, this is Warsofsky's first head coaching gig after serving as a special advisor to Jared Nightingale, the Stingrays coach last season, who moved on to take over as head coach of the Rockford (Illinois) IceHogs, a minor league team offshoot of the Chicago Blackhawks.

Over the past 15 years Warsofsky's been affiliated with a half dozen NHL teams, playing for the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, New Jersey Devils, and the Colorado Avalanche, including time with several AHL teams, after winning the World Junior Ice Hockey Championships for Team USA in 2010. Furthermore, David's brother Ryan is head coach of the NHL's San Jose Sharks, as well as a former the Stingrays coach head coach (2016-18). 

Warsofsky, who just retired last year as a player, is hoping his time on and off the ice, combined with his peripheral knowledge of the game will prove favorable as the Stingrays open their 33rd season Saturday October 18th hosting the Norfolk Admirals." It's exciting. Obviously just thinking about winning the game, and having a good start."

With pre-season behind them, Warsofsky feels the team is ready to prove themselves out on the ice. "Obviously, having a good start. I think the guys are working hard right now. I'm trying to prepare them the best I can."

As to his role as the coach. "I think it's already hit me. I was helping out last year, but I wasn't around all the time, but now I'm in the thick of it. Now I'm here at 6am and leaving at 4pm. So just that lifestyle of being the coach, you have to handle a lot of things."

He adds, his new role is less about expectation and more about long term goals. "I just want to keep getting better everyday. Our goal, and what we talk about is come January, February, and March, we're hitting our stride. We want to be winning five, six games in a row. Obviously you want to win games in October and November but at that point it's more about coming together as a team."

Fans can take part in some season opening festivities with a pre-game party kicking off at 4pm on Saturday outside the North Charleston Coliseum. Enjoy live music, food and beverage options, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment to kick off the season in style. The first 500 guests at the pre-game party will also receive an exclusive Stingrays poster.

The first 2,500 fans through the doors will receive a Magnet Schedule Giveaway complements of MUSC Health. Doors open at 5:05pm with the puck dropping at 6:05. Students and military (active & retired) are eligible for discounted tickets. For more visit https://stingrayshockey.com/games/2025/10/18/opening-night

Additionally fans might want to experience the all new Ice Lounge, an add on to group ticket purchases for an exclusive experience on a Stingrays game day. Fans can savor a curated selection of hot and cold finger foods and enjoy one complimentary beverage of their choice (beer, wine, single mixed drink, soda, or water), with a full-service bar available for additional purchases.

The Ice Lounge features a private setting with an 85" television, keeping you close to every play through the end of the second intermission. For more on that visit https://charleston.com/charleston-insider/sports-recreation/stingrays-introduce-new-ice-lounge-at-north-charleston-coliseum 

For a complete schedule of Stingrays home games and promotions during the 2025-26 season click here https://stingrayshockey.com/#schedule