CHARLES BALDWIN PICKS CORPUS CHRISTI

Jul 10, 2012

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays have made a big splash in the offseason by adding (F) Charles Baldwin to the 2012-2013 roster.  Baldwin played the past two seasons with the New Mexico Mustangs who will be inactive for this upcoming season. 

IceRays head coach Justin Quenneville says Baldwin will play a vital role this season.  “Adding a player like Charles will bring immediate leadership, experience, and speed to our team.  He is a player that we have played against for the past 2 seasons, so we are familiar with his presence on the ice and will look for him to be a go-to player for the team.”

In the 2010/2011 season, Baldwin finished second on the team in goals with 18.  This past season, he was third on the team with 15.  Baldwin also had 21 assists in two seasons despite missing 13 games.   After New Mexico announced they would cease operations this season, he was sad to leave, but knew he would have numerous teams contacting him and had to make a decision.  “It was a little shocking at first because New Mexico was my home for the past two years,” said Baldwin. “It's sad to see a great organization go out like that. Once I became a free agent I was expecting calls.  The majority of the teams contacting me were from the South Division, so I was quite familiar with the contacting organizations given the fact I spent my past two seasons in the South. I chose Corpus because they were the most enthusiastic and welcoming of the contacting teams and I've heard nothing but great things about the organization.”

The 5-10, 175lb forward will enter his final year of junior eligibility and has his sights set on the postseason and beyond.  “As I head into my final year of eligibility I don't have many individual goals besides being a leader on and off the ice.  I'm more focused on the team goals because you can't win a championship by yourself. As a veteran player I plan on being there for the young guns and showing them the ropes as well as making sure we all have our sights set on the same goal, the Robertson Cup.”

Quenneville not only sees this as a good challenge for the veteran, but will provide exposure to move on to the college hockey ranks.  “In having the opportunity to speak with him on several occasions over the course of this off season, we have learned that we will be inheriting a quality young man that we couldn't be more thrilled about.  He will be entering into an environment that will challenge him and expose him to as many opportunities to continuing his career into collegiate hockey.”

The IceRays season kicks off in September with the 2012 NAHL Showcase where each team from the league will play four regular season games.

Season tickets for the 15th year anniversary season of the IceRays are now on sale.  Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com.

Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com.  In addition stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/corpuschristiicerays), Twitter (@goicerays), and the team’s Youtube channel ICERAYS TV (@goicerays)

“THE NEW ICERAYS…TOMORROW’S STARS”