CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays have acquired forward Nathan Colwell from the Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League in exchange for forward Isaac Ceh and defenseman Jason Lem. With this transaction, the IceRays have reduced their roster to the 23-man protested list required by the league before the October 1 deadline. Colwell will report to Corpus Christi next week.
Colwell, 18, skated in four games this season with Kenai River, recording one goal and one assist with 10 penalty minutes, including a goal against the IceRays in a 5-2 victory over the Brown Bears. The Englewood, Colo. native also played 49 regular season games with Kenai River, recording nine goals and 12 assists with 40 penalty minutes as well as a goal and assist in five playoff games.
“We felt that we needed more depth and size in the middle,” said IceRays Head Coach John Becanic. “We have a small centering core, and [Colwell] can play in the middle. In order to get a player like this, it required giving up some of ours. With nine defensemen, it allowed us to deal from depth.”
Prior to the NAHL, Colwell was drafted 84th overall (fifth round) by the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the 2014 United States Hockey League Draft. In addition, he also participated in the 2014 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Mich. against the USA Hockey National Team Development Program.
The six-foot-two, 180-pound forward played with the Colorado Thunderbirds U16 of the T1EHL U16 in 2012-13, recording 14 goals and 14 assists through 41 games with 32 penalty minutes.
Ceh, 18, recorded a -1 through four games with the IceRays this season. Prior to this season, Ceh split between the Chicago Mission U18 (HPHL) and Belle Tire U18 (T1EHL), recording 19 goals and 13 assists through 35 games with 36 penalty minutes.
Lem, 18, recorded a +1 through four games with the IceRays this season. Last year, he played in 57 games for Corpus Christi, recording two goals and six assists with 43 penalty minutes. Prior to joining the IceRays, Lem played with the TPH Thunder U18 of the T1EHL for 34 games, recording five goals and one assist with 28 penalty minutes.
The IceRays open their home schedule on Saturday, September 27 against the Lone Star Brahmas. Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for season and individual ticket 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 YouTube (IceRays TV).
