CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays have signed tender contracts with forward Nicholas Bortolotto of the California Titans 18U from the North American Prospects Hockey League and forward Landon Quinney of the Arizona Bobcats 16U from the North American Prospects Hockey League. Both skaters are the first future IceRays signings in the 2014-15 season and will report to IceRays camp next year.
“Nick comes from the California Titans program that has put many of their players into the NAHL,” said IceRays Head Coach John Becanic. “We like his skill level and are hoping that he can continue to make plays at this level. Landon comes to us from the Arizona Bobcat organization that has landed us the likes of Jake Durflinger from our 2013-14 team and Keenan Spillum from this years squad. Landon plays a hard game and believe that his compete level combined with his skill will make him a solid NAHL player.”
Bortolotto, 17, has played 14 games with the California Titans 18U in his first season with the team, recording three goals and 12 assists for 15 points with eight penalty minutes. The 5-foot-6, 135-pound San Mateo, Calif. native is a fundamentally-focused skater that currently leads all Titans skaters in assists, points, and power play assists, which includes a breakout performance of one goal and nine assists in the team’s five wins during the NAPHL event in Romeoville, Ill.
His older brother, Mattia, played for three North American Hockey League teams during his two seasons at this level: Wichita Falls Wildcats, Port Huron Fighting Falcons, and New Mexico Mustangs.
“I’m very excited,” said Bortolotto of his tender with the IceRays. “I heard a lot of great things about the organization, and I can’t wait to get up there to try out and skate with everybody.”
Quinney, 16, has skated in 10 games with the Arizona Bobcats 16U, recording four goals and four assists for eight points with 36 penalty minutes and three power play goals. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Las Vegas, Nev. native leads all Bobcats skaters in penalty minutes and shares the team lead in power play goals. He is a gritty forward that not only likes to be very physical but also create plays for his teammates.
Quinney is also the son of former Quebec Nordiques winger Ken Quinney, who played 59 games over parts of three seasons in the National Hockey League, recording seven goals and 13 assists for 20 points with 23 penalty minutes.
“I’m just completely honored and proud to be tendered by the IceRays,” said Quinney. “There’s no other team in the NAHL that I’d rather play for than Corpus Christi. I do talk to [forward] Michael Mahan, who played for the IceRays last year. He’s told me about the intensity and the fast-paced game coming up from U16s.”
The pair of skaters are two of nine players to be tendered by NAHL teams and two of four heading to the South Division.
The IceRays return to action at home on Friday, November 21 at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Odessa Jackalopes in the first of a two-game set from the American Bank Center.. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsJuice.com, FASTHockey.com, and on 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 YouTube (IceRays TV).
