Notre Dame Fighting Irish - Official Athletics Website

Brauer Signs With South Carolina Stingrays

June 21, 2018

By Katherine Harvath

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — After four successful years with the Fighting Irish hockey program, Bo Brauer will continue his playing career with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. The team announced on Thursday (June 21) that Brauer has signed a one-year deal. 

The 2017-18 recipient of the Charles “Lefty” Smith Coaches Award, Brauer posted five goals, including two game-winners during his senior season. He also scored the opening goal against Ohio State (March 17), leading the team to their first Big Ten postseason title.

Skating in 64 contests for the Irish, the Edina, Minnesota native finished his Notre Dame career with 13 points off eight goals and five assists. Brauer netted the first two goals of his collegiate career in the 9-2 win over Arizona State (Oct. 7, 2016). 

Last season was record setting for the Stingrays, affiliate of the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Washington Capitals, posting the most wins in franchise history (48) and fewest losses (16) since the 1996-97 season. Overall, they notched a 48-16-7-1 (W-L-OTL-SOL) record while finishing second in the South Division. 

The Stingrays have strong Irish ties with current alternate captain, Patrick Gaul (’12), having helped Notre Dame to two NCAA Tournaments, including a Frozen Four appearance in 2011. Gaul has spent the past six seasons with the team, serving as their alternate captain for three.

Both named Charles “Lefty” Smith Coaches Award winners at the conclusion of their respective senior seasons, he and Brauer look to build on the Stingrays’ momentous 2017-18 season.

Brauer is the fourth player from his graduating class, and sixth from the 2017-18 team, to sign a professional contract, joining Jake Evans (Montreal Canadiens), Jordan Gross (Arizona Coyotes) and Dawson Cook (Chicago Wolves). Other recent Irish signees include Dennis Gilbert (Chicago Blackhawks) and Andrew Oglevie (Buffalo Sabres).

— ND —

Katherine Harvath is in the midst of a summer internship with the Athletic Communications branch of Fighting Irish Media. She is a 2018 graduate of Bowling Green State University, where she studied sport management.