Few NHL teams have more established minor-league relationships than the Washington Capitals.
The Hershey Bears have developed Capitals prospects for more than two decades, while the South Carolina Stingrays return for a 13th consecutive season as Washington's ECHL affiliate. Together, the two teams give Washington one of the longest-running development systems in hockey.
- Sign up for FloHockey to watch elite junior, college and professional hockey all year long
- FloHockey's 2026 NHL Draft Coverage
- FloHockey To Stream 2027 IIHF Men's World Championship In United States
Here's what Capitals fans should know about Washington's AHL and ECHL affiliates entering 2026-27.
Who Are The Washington Capitals' AHL And ECHL Affiliates?
The Hershey Bears are Washington's AHL affiliate, while the South Carolina Stingrays serve as the organization's ECHL affiliate.
Washington's current partnership with Hershey began in 2005-06 and runs through 2029-30. The Bears have won four Calder Cups during the affiliation.
South Carolina's current run with Washington began in 2014-15, and the Capitals extended the partnership through 2028-29 this summer.
Why Capitals Fans Should Watch The Hershey Bears
Hershey has long been one of Washington's most important development stops.
The Bears have reached six Calder Cup Finals during the current affiliation and won championships in 2006, 2009, 2010 and 2023.
Another group of young Capitals prospects could spend significant time in Hershey this season.
The Bears open their 89th AHL season Oct. 3 against the Charlotte Checkers at GIANT Center. That begins a franchise-record seven-game homestand to open the season.
Washington Capitals Prospects To Watch With Hershey
Andrew Cristall: Cristall recorded 20 goals and 60 points in 72 games during his rookie AHL season, leading AHL rookies in assists and finishing third among rookies in points. Washington's increased NHL forward depth could mean more development time in Hershey for the 21-year-old.
Terik Parascak: Washington's No. 17 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft recorded 33 goals and 79 points in 61 WHL games for Prince George last season. Parascak joined Hershey after his junior season and is expected to make the full-time jump to professional hockey in 2026-27.
Cam Allen: The 2023 fifth-round pick spent last season with Hershey and remains under contract with Washington. The defenseman is currently competing in Capitals training camp as he continues his professional development.
Ryan Chesley: Chesley also spent last season in Hershey after completing his college career at Minnesota. The 2022 second-round pick is among the young defensemen currently participating in Washington's NHL training camp.
Who Are The South Carolina Stingrays?
The South Carolina Stingrays have become another longstanding piece of Washington's development system.
The teams have been affiliated for 20 seasons overall, including the current 13-season run.
South Carolina went 45-23-1-3 last season, finishing second in the South Division before reaching the Division Finals of the Kelly Cup Playoffs.
The Stingrays enter 2026-27 with a new head coach in Jesse Kallechy, who joined South Carolina after leading the Fort Wayne Komets to the Western Conference Finals last season.
The South Carolina-To-Hershey Pipeline
There are plenty of examples showing how Washington's ECHL relationship works.
Ludwig Persson spent 39 games with South Carolina last season, recording 21 points, before Washington reassigned him to Hershey in April.
Goaltender Clay Stevenson offers an even longer view of the development path. He previously played for South Carolina before moving to Hershey and eventually appearing in four NHL games for Washington last season.
Even Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery has ties to the affiliate. Carbery spent five seasons as South Carolina's head coach and director of hockey operations before eventually working his way to Washington.
How The Washington Capitals' Affiliate System Fits Together
South Carolina provides developing professionals with opportunities in the ECHL, while Hershey represents the final minor-league step before Washington.
Unlike organizations that have recently changed affiliates, the Capitals have years of evidence showing players and coaches progressing through their system.
With Cristall, Parascak and another group of prospects developing toward NHL opportunities, both affiliates remain important places for Capitals fans to watch in 2026-27.
NHL Prospect Coverage On FloHockey
The best, and most complete, coverage of the NHL, minor-league hockey and NHL Draft is found on FloHockey. Don't miss the latest new prospect guides, rankings and more from Chris Peters and the FloHockey staff.
Watch the AHL, ECHL, QMJHL, OHL, USHL And More On FloHockey
FloHockey is the streaming home to some of the best hockey leagues in North America, including the ECHL and more. Check out the broadcast schedule to watch more hockey.
Join The Hockey Conversation On FloHockey Social
Follow us on X @FloHockey
Follow us on Instagram @flohockey
Follow us on TikTok @flohockeytv
Watch us on YouTube
Like us on Facebook