CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays have added another tender in defenseman Michael Bevilacqua from the Buffalo Jr. Sabres U18 of the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL). The captain of the U18 Midget squad joins forwards Nicholas Bortolotto and Landon Quinney as the first three tenders that will report to IceRays camp next season.
“Michael has been a player that I’ve known and watched develop over the past three years,” said IceRays scout Mike Mondoux. “He’s a big strong defenseman with great skill and the captain of the [Jr. Sabres] 18U team.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound defenseman has played 38 games with the Jr. Sabres U18 this season, recording 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points with 46 penalty minutes. Over his last three seasons with the Jr. Sabres organization, the Buffalo native has played 114 games, recording 14 goals and 22 assists for 36 points with 118 penalty minutes.
“I think he has all the tools necessary to contribute at the next level,” said Mondoux. “His biggest assets are his strength and size, so I think physically he’s ready to play at the junior level.”
The defensive defenseman was named captain for the 2014-15 season in just his first season with the U18 team. Bevilacqua also appeared in five games with Team Forest in the USA Select U17 tournament, playing along with former IceRays and current Sioux City Musketeers forward Jake Durflinger on the squad.
“It’s very exciting,” said Bevilacqua. “I feel like I’m being given a great opportunity here. At first it was a little overwhelming, but honestly I just feel very excited to be part of the [IceRays] organization.”
The IceRays return to the American Bank Center on Thursday, December 11 to begin a two-game set against the Amarillo Bulls. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. with Countdown to Faceoff on SportsJuice.com, FASTHockey.com, and 87.7 FM in-arena. 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 (IceRays TV).
