CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced its All-Division teams and honors for the 2016-17 season, as voted upon and selected by the league’s 24 head coaches, and Corpus Christi IceRays goaltender Tomáš Vomáčka was named South Division Goaltender of the Year and to the All-South Division Team.
“It’s amazing to be given this honor,” said Vomáčka. “This means a lot to me, and I really appreciate it. Something like this really is more of a team award than just for me. The guys helped all year block shots and make my job easier, and I’m really thankful for their help. There’s still work to do this season, but it’s nice to get the award.”
Vomáčka, 17, has impressed the hockey community in North America and is showing his mark on the league with his second award in as many days. Yesterday, the Trutnov, Czech Republic native was named to the All-NAHL and South Division Rookie Teams after a record-setting season, recording a 19-13-6 record with a 2.43 goals-against average and a .927 save percentage with one shutout through 41 games. Today, he becomes the first player in franchise history to be named South Division Goaltender of the Year and just the fourth player to be named to the All-South Division Team, joining forwards Wes Michaud (‘14-’15), Rudy Sulmonte (‘12-’13) and Beau Walker (‘10-’11).
The notoriety surrounding Vomáčka continues to mount, already securing the best regular season goals-against average, regular season save percentage and postseason wins in junior franchise history, two South Division Star of the Week awards during the season, a roster spot on the NAHL Selects at the 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, a win at the tournament, a NCAA Division I commitment to the University of Connecticut, and a ranking of 14th on the NHL Central Scouting Final Rankings.
“We’re extremely proud as an organization of Tomáš,” said IceRays head coach Brad Flynn. “He came overseas and had a seamless transition. He has an extremely bright future in the game. Any time you win an individual award recognized by the league is good, but it’s also a team award. We committed to team defense in front of him on top of having an exceptional year on a personal standpoint. As an organization, we’re extremely proud to develop not only NCAA Division I talent but also NHL prospects.”
The All-South Division Team encompasses representatives from five different teams and some of the highest scorers in the league, including league-leading goal-scorer Frankie Melton (Shreveport Mudbugs), league-leading point-scorers Chase Thudium (Odessa Jackalopes) and George Mika (Amarillo Bulls), league-leading scoring defenseman Croix Evingson (Shreveport) and NAHL Selects defenseman Simon Loof (Lone Star Brahmas).
The NAHL will announce the league-wide awards, including NAHL Goaltender of the Year, and close the awards season on Wednesday.
The IceRays open the 2017 South Division Finals on Friday, Apr. 28 at 7:30 p.m. from the NYTEX Sports Centre in a best-of-five series. Rise with the IceRays as their quest for the Robertson Cup continues in the South Division Finals, and get ready for next season with a 2017-18 IceRays Season Membership. Call the IceRays at 361-814-PUCK to reserve your seat for next season. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Snapchat (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
