The South Carolina Stingrays are a professional ice hockey team in the ECHL. They are based in the city of North Charleston, South Carolina. Since 2004, the team has been affiliated with the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League and the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League. The team developed a large fan base rapidly following its inception. During its first season (1993–94) the team boasted an average of 9,151 fans a game - one of the largest crowds in minor league hockey. Currently, the Stingrays average approximately 5,000 fans per game.