CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – Corpus Christi IceRays forward and captain Mason Krueger has been named the Bauer Hockey South Division Star of the Week, the North American Hockey League (NAHL) announced today.
“It’s feels pretty good, and it’s a testament to how the team is playing right now,” said Krueger on the honor. “It’s the first ever road sweep in Amarillo, and we’re on a roll. We’re just pushing to have the same type of success next weekend.”
Krueger, 20, continued his career season last weekend with a four-point weekend against the Amarillo Bulls as part of their first ever road sweep in junior franchise history. The 20-year-old is the only IceRays player to earn multi-point games in both contests against the Bulls, scoring one of two insurance goals with an assist on Friday’s 3-0 shutout win as well as the game-winner and an assist on an insurance goal in Saturday’s 3-1 win. The Bettendorf, Iowa native is now on a four-game goal scoring streak as well as a five-game point streak, recording five goals and three assists for eight points over his last five games. All five of his goals have come since signing his commitment.
The third-year player continues to be a team leader both on and off the ice for the IceRays, leading the squad in points and sharing the team lead in assists recording seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points through 17 games while breaking into the top-20 among NAHL players in scoring. Krueger now sits in the top-10 all-time in four different categories: tied for fourth in games played (131), fifth in career goals (28), seventh in career points (62), and tied for ninth in career assists (34).
“Things are starting to click. Once you’re on a roll, things become easier. The team is doing well, and having success on our line really helps. It hasn’t been an individual effort, that’s for sure. I just want to make sure I stick to what got me to where I am now. Keep it simple. Play my type of game. Help the team being a two-way player and know the points will come if I play the right way.”
“I am very happy for Mason winning player of the week,” said IceRays Head Coach Brad Flynn. “Mason exemplifies what we strive for as an organization. He is great person off the ice, responsible in our own end and a true 200-foot player who produces offensively.”
Krueger is the third player to be recognized by the league this season, joining forwards Nathan Bryer and Andy McGlynn, who were named Bauer Hockey South Division Star and 2nd Star of the Week, respectively, on October 10 for the first sweep of divisional stars in junior franchise history. In seven seasons, the IceRays have now earned 12 top weekly honors as well as 13 top league-wide honors.
The IceRays return to the American Bank Center on Friday, Nov. 18 at 7:05 p.m. to continue their season series with the Lone Star Brahmas. Season memberships for the 2016-17 season are still available with full and partial season plans. Reserve yours by contacting the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Snapchat (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
