It has been 24 years since the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, and the Lowcountry continues to remember the life of Mark Bavis, a former South Carolina Stingrays hockey player who was among the victims.
Remembering Mark Bavis, Former Stingrays Player Lost on 9/11
Bavis, who played with the Stingrays from 1994 to 1996, was traveling as an Amateur Scout for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings when tragedy struck. On September 11, he boarded United Airlines Flight 175 from Boston to Los Angeles. That flight was hijacked and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, killing everyone on board.
Bavis’ Legacy with the Stingrays
During his two seasons with the team, Bavis made a lasting impact. Together with his twin brother, Mike Bavis, he helped lead the Stingrays to their first South Division title in the 1994–95 season. His determination, leadership, and passion for the sport left an impression that carried far beyond his years on the ice.
In a 2011 interview, then-Stingrays president Rob Concannon reflected on Bavis’ influence, describing him as a competitor whose commitment to hockey was matched only by his character off the ice.
Honors and Recognition
The Stingrays have made sure Bavis’ name lives on in team history:
In 2003, Bavis was inducted into the Stingrays Hall of Fame.
His #12 jersey was retired, one of only four numbers to ever be retired by the team.
These honors symbolize not only his achievements as a player but also the deep respect he earned within the organization and community.
Mark Bavis’ story is a reminder that the events of September 11 touched communities across the nation, including Charleston. While his life was cut tragically short, his legacy with the Stingrays, his contributions to hockey, and the way he is remembered each year ensure that his name will never be forgotten.
