CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – IceRays goaltender Dryden McKay has been recalled by the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), the team announced today. He will join the Gamblers this weekend ahead of their home games on Friday and Saturday and dress in their next six games.
“I’m excited for the opportunity,” said McKay. “This is something I’ve been working toward for a long time, so I’m looking forward to it.”
McKay, 18, has appeared in 13 games this season with the IceRays, recording a 5-6-1 record with a 3.02 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage. The Downer’s Grove, Ill., native has earned wins in two-straight starts while turning aside 56 shots on 59 chances. Over his NAHL career, the 5-foot-11, 170-pound goaltender owns a 20-24-3 record with a 2.84 goals-against average and a .913 save percentage with two shutouts through 50 games. Since his arrival to Corpus Christi, McKay feels he’s improved both on and off the ice.
“I feel like I’ve matured a lot in the last few months and improved my positioning. I’m a lot more under control, and I’ve gotten used to the shooters here. I’m a lot better at taking away the first shot and rebound control. That’s really important at any level you play.”
“Dryden has been consistent all year in his play,” said IceRays head coach John Becanic. “When between the pipes, he has given us an opportunity to get points every night, and that’s all you can ask for from your goalie. I’m excited for him to go back to Green Bay and show their staff why he was such a high pick in last year’s USHL draft.”
McKay was drafted 50th overall (4th Round) by the Green Bay Gamblers in Phase II of the 2015 USHL Draft and attended their USHL camp prior to the start of the 2015-16 season. Previously, he was drafted 263rd overall (16th Round) by the Waterloo Black Hawks in Phase II of the 2014 USHL Draft. With the departure of Gamblers netminder Adam Huska to Finland for the 2016 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championships, McKay not only earns a roster spot but also could make his USHL debut, a chance he is ready for.
“I have to keep being aggressive,” said McKay. “Those guys up there are elite shooters, so you have to be much more aggressive and take their options away.”
McKay is the second IceRays player to earn the promotion to the top tier of USA Hockey in consecutive weeks after defenseman Simon Butala was recalled by the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders last week. McKay is expected to return on January 3 following the IceRays first two games of 2016.
In a corresponding move, the IceRays have recalled affiliate goaltender Sean Dickson from the Cleveland Barons U18 of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL). In 11 games this season with the Barons, the Millbrae, Calif., native recorded a 3-7-1 record with a 3.17 goals-against average and a .890 save percentage. He will join the IceRays this weekend in Amarillo and wear number one.
The IceRays travel to the Amarillo Civic Center for a two-game set with the Bulls on Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:05 p.m. The IceRays come back to the American Bank Center on Tuesday, Dec. 29 for the first of a two-game set against the Odessa Jackalopes. Contact the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK or go to www.goicerays.com for details on season tickets along with pricing and seating. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Vine (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
