CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), unveiled their commemorative logo for the 20th Anniversary season this afternoon in preparation for the celebration of hockey in Corpus Christi.
In July 1997, the Corpus Christi IceRays announced their membership as the 13th team in the Western Professional Hockey League and a member of the Central Division. Under the principal ownership of then-President Rick Brezer, the IceRays became the first professional sports franchise in the city of Corpus Christi, a growing market for professional sports. Since its inception, the IceRays organization has strived to become an integral part of the Corpus Christi community, beginning with roller hockey and public skating sessions at the Memorial Coliseum to school and community events.
As the IceRays head into their 20th season, many things have changed while much had stayed the same. The IceRays migrated from ‘The Igloo” further Northwest on Shoreline Boulevard to the American Bank Center, changed leagues twice, made the jump from minor professional hockey to junior hockey, and survived uncertainty with ownership in the late 2000s, but the organization has weathered each storm that has come their way. The IceRays franchise has hosted an average of 3,000 fans per game in 18 of their 19 seasons while leading the NAHL in each of their last four years, continue to maintain their commitment to the Corpus Christi community through charitable donations, fundraisers and community appearances, and provide an outlet to a sport style that fits well with the fabric of the city and its members.
On the ice, memories such as rat throwing and bat killing at “The Igloo,” the infamous comeback against the Laredo Bucks affectionately remembered as “The Game,” and the pinnacle moment of the junior franchise with this season’s thrilling overtime win to clinch their first playoff series have carried IceRays faithful throughout the years. While other organizations have come and gone, the IceRays still hold the torch as “Corpus Christi’s longest-running sports franchise.”
The IceRays 20th Anniversary logo, designed in-house, reflects the organization’s commitment to the Corpus Christi community and the magnitude of a 20-year hockey franchise in a non-traditional market. The Corpus Christi skyline has been integrated as part of the display as recognition of not only the community efforts by the IceRays but also the support shown over the last two decades to the sport of hockey and the organization as a whole through multiple changes in look, ownership, location and personnel. The colors maintain the modern look of the franchise as a showing of what’s to come and a commitment to the future of IceRays hockey. The logo will be used as a patch on the IceRays uniform as well as in various forms of apparel and display around the American Bank Center.
Over the course of this season, the IceRays will be hosting special events, game nights and promotions to help honor the legacy of hockey in South Texas over the last 20 seasons. In addition, the organization will also release commentary and memories from former members of the team, organization and fan base periodically as the season goes on. The logo unveiling marks the beginning of the celebration of Corpus Christi hockey, and further details on promotions will be released at a later time.
Welcome to the 20th Anniversary season.
Season Tickets for the 20th Anniversary season are on sale now! Call the IceRays at 361-814-PUCK to reserve your season plan for the 2017-18 campaign. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Vine (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
