FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – After bringing back professional hockey journeyman and team-leading point scorer Jake Hauswirth last season for his third season in Fayetteville, the Fayetteville Marksmen professional hockey club is pleased to announce their second player for the coming season.

Darren McCormick is heading into just his third year of professional hockey, with two call-ups to the ECHL, but the SUNY-Cortland alum is returning to Fayetteville for his first full season.

McCormick, 25-year-old Left Wing, joined the Marksmen last season after being acquired via trade from the Macon Mayhem. Though he only spent four games in the black and orange, he had three assists for the team, finishing his Southern Professional Hockey League point total for last year with 36 points (22 goals, 14 assists).

After his four games with the Marksmen, McCormick finished the 2017-18 season playing five games for the Cincinnati Cyclones.

First-year Head Coach Jesse Kallechy, who was an assistant coach with McCormick’s first SPHL team in the Huntsville Havoc, spoke highly of him.

“I’m very happy to get Darren back in a Marksmen uniform. He is the type of player who will help carry our offense every night.” said Kallechy “We are looking forward to him taking on more roles this season, and I believe he will be a good mentor for our young players.”

For McCormick, returning to Fayetteville was the perfect fit.

“I’m just really excited and thankful for the opportunity. I played for Jesse for a short stint after my college career, and he taught me what it means to be a pro. He’s a great guy, and I learned a lot in my short time with Huntsville [2016-17 season],” said McCormick “There’s no doubt in my mind that he’ll be a great head coach. “

He went on, continuing to praise how the franchise is operated, and its affect on his decision.

“You have an owner who is really invested. All the work he is putting into the rink is incredible. He’s someone that’s definitely driven, and wants to be the best at everything,” said McCormick “It just makes me want to be part of the organization even more.”

Of course, McCormick couldn’t leave out the Marksmen fans.

“Top that off with the most passionate fans in the league, my decision was pretty easy.”

The Fayetteville Marksmen are excited to welcome back Darren McCormick for the 2018-19 season, and look forward to him being the bedrock of what promises to be an exciting season of hockey in Cape Fear. The 2018-19 Marksmen Home Opener is October 19th, and Season Tickets are on sale now.

If you’re interested in hearing about our season ticket packages, group packages, and mini-plans, email Director of Media Relations Shawn Bednard, SBednard@MarksmenHockey.com.

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The Fayetteville Marksmen are owned and operated by Union Pro Hockey Group and play their home games at Crown Coliseum. The Marksmen are a committed community asset, designed to provide premium entertainment to families and individuals in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.