Matt Ridley and Mike Ridley (Photos: Les Stockton and Washington Capitals)
We don’t usually report on ECHL transactions, but this is a special case. The Washington Capitals’ affiliate in the ECHL, the South Carolina Stingrays, have announced the signing of defenseman Matt Ridley. Matt is the son of longtime former Capital Mike Ridley, a Canadian center who spent ten years in Landover during two separate stints with the team.
Matt Ridley began his career in junior A league BCHL, where he played for five different teams over three seasons. After turning pro in 2011, Ridley spent three years in minor pro leagues. His stops included now-defunct Mississippi Surge and Fayetteville FireAntz of the Southern Professional Hockey League, Tulsa Oilers of the Central Hockey League as well as Gwinnett Gladiators and Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL late last season.
Late in July, it was announced that Ridley was acquired by Mississippi RiverKings in the SPHL, but it appears that the 24-year-old defenseman will get a promotion.
While Ridley has signed with the Capitals’ ECHL affiliate, the contract is strictly though the Stingrays so therefore he’s not a Capitals prospect. Still, it’s cool.
Meanwhile, Ian tells me this is all he remembers of Mike Ridley from his childhood.
