CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The final pieces of the puzzle in the 2014-2015 schedule for the Corpus Christi IceRays have been placed together as the North American Hockey League released its’ schedule for the 2014 NAHL Showcase from Blaine, Minnesota. The IceRays are on tap to battle Kenai River, Minnesota Wilderness, Wenatchee, and Keystone during the four day event.
“The NAHL Showcase is a hectic time for everyone,” said head coach John Becanic, entering his second season with the IceRays. “So much hockey in a short span. There is no way to prepare your players for what's ahead, so the best thing you can do is to instill the compete level and have the players manage their bodies. Four games in four days at various times you need for your players to prepare their bodies as such.”
After opening the season in Topeka the weekend before, the ‘Rays will kick off the Showcase at 1:30PM CST on Wednesday, September 17th against the Kenai River Brown Bears. Last season, Corpus Christi and Kenai River face one another four times. The second day will feature the IceRays stepping on the ice with the Minnesota Wilderness at 8:00PM CST. Last year at the NAHL Showcase, the Wilderness took a 2-0 win over Corpus Christi. A rare divisional game will take place on day three as Wenatchee will get their first look at the IceRays as members of the South Division. The puck will drop on that contest at 1:45PM CST. The IceRays will meet a new member of the league on Saturday morning as the expansion Keystone Ice Miners, formerly the Port Huron Fighting Falcons, will play the early game at 9:30AM CST against the ‘Rays.
“It's a great opportunity in front of so many college and pro scouts,” Becanic finished. “The level of play is phenomenal. You just want your players to enjoy the process and play at their best possible level.”
Each year, this event draws the attention of hundreds of NCAA, NHL, and other junior scouts. Annually, the Showcase attracts over 9,000 people in overall attendance, including a record number of 342 NHL, NCAA and junior scouts, who attended the 2013 NAHL Showcase last season. For more information on the NAHL Showcase including schedule, ticket prices, hotels, rental cars and arena information, CLICK HERE.
Following that game, Corpus Christi will return to the Coastal Bend and prepare for the home opener against Lone Star on Saturday, September 27th at 7:05PM inside American Bank Center.
All games at the 2014 NAHL Showcase will be broadcast LIVE on the TuneIn Radio APP, tunein.com, and fasthockey.com.
Season tickets for the 2014-2015 season of IceRays hockey are on sale NOW. 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)
