The exciting partnership between Icethetics and the ECHL's South Carolina Stingrays culminated with the reveal of the winning 25th anniversary jersey design!

(I'm just sorry it took me two weeks to finally get this news on the blog!)

On Oct. 10, the Stingrays revealed Benjamin Rajaobelina as the winner of our jersey design contest. Benjamin's design was one of five finalists selected by the team. But it was a vote of the Icethetics community that made him the winner. His was the only design to win all four of its round-robin polls!

"This is incredible," Benjamin said. He went on to reveal his inspiration for the design:

The South Carolina Stingrays have a great set of uniforms which are navy blue and white so I wanted to use the red of their logo to create a third color jersey.

The main goal was to honor the 25 years of the organization — their silver anniversary — and to include silver in a subtle way so it could blend with the team’s tradition.

The use of three white stripes on the arms and the waist represents the three championships won by the franchise — a record in the history of the ECHL. The result is a classic yet modern jersey that I hope players and fans will enjoy.

I have no doubt they will.

A month ago we wrapped up Phase I of this contest with the Stingrays when Brooks Freeman won the 25th anniversary logo contest. His design will be used by the club throughout the 2017-18 and be featured as a shoulder patch on Benjamin's jersey.

Brooks and Benjamin have both been invited to see the Stingrays wearing the new sweater in action next season. Each will be awarded a customized jersey and other 25th anniversary merchandise. The team is also covering their travel costs up to $500 each. 

Better still, the Stingrays hope to have Brooks and Benjamin participate in an on-ice pre-game ceremony!

Speaking personally, it's been an absolute dream to run this contest in partnership with the Stingrays! I hope the Icethetics community truly appreciates the opportunity to design and choose a jersey that will be worn in the ECHL next season!