IceRays Forwards Combined for 11 Points against New Mexico
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forwards Andrej Paricka and Justin Thibault have been named South Division Stars of the Week for their spectacular weekend against New Mexico, where they combined for 11 points in two games.
“Both Andrej and Justin brought a spark to our lineup this weekend,” said Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “They showed confidence, hunger, and a commitment to playing the right way. When your new players step in and immediately elevate the group, it sends energy through the entire room. Their effort was a big part of why we came away with another sweep.”
Paricka earned the 1st Star of the Week for leading the IceRays offensively in his first home games with the team, highlighted by his 1st career hat-trick on Friday night. He followed that performance with a goal and an assist in Saturday’s win, bringing his weekend total to six points. His four goals came in a variety of situations including even-strength, power play, and shorthanded. The Propad, Slovakia native now has seven points in five games with Corpus Christi since being acquired from Shreveport.
“The weekend went really well. I was creating a lot of scoring chances in the games and I’m so happy being patient paid off in the way that it did. I have to give a shoutout to my teammates, especially my linemates because we did a great job. I’m happy we got the sweep, and we can move on to Odessa, said Paricka.”
Thibault received the 3rd Star of the Week after posting five points across the two-game series, including a four-point night on Friday. His goal and four assists bring his season total to seven points in seven games since joining the IceRays in early November. The 5-foot-7, 176-pound forward also notched his 1st career NAHL goal in Friday’s series opener.
Thibault added, “You can tell we are growing as a family and getting better every day. The energy in the locker room was awesome all weekend and you could see it on the ice. Individually I have to give big credit to my linemates this weekend who both made me look good out there.”
Paricka and Thibault contributed to six of the nine goals scored by Corpus Christi along with linemate Easton Swift. Their offensive production played a major role in securing the team’s second consecutive home-ice sweep and third overall this season.
NEXT SERIES
The IceRays are back on the road next week for their first trip to Odessa to take on the Jackalopes on Friday, December 5, and Saturday, December 6. Puck drop on Friday is scheduled for 7:15 p.m. CT followed by 6:00 p.m. CT on Saturday. Tune in to the game live on NAHLTV or listen by downloading the Retro Radio CC App on your favorite smart device. Pregame show begins 15 minutes ahead of puck drop.
NEXT HOME SERIES
Corpus Christi hosts the Oklahoma Warriors at the Hilliard Center on Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. Saturday is our annual Teddy Bear Toss Night benefitting Nate’s Next Kid Up! Bring a new stuffed animal and when the IceRays score their first goal, let those Teddy Bears fly!
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW
Tickets start at just $5! Student and Active Military Tickets are available at the Hilliard Center Box Office with valid ID. Grab yours now at www.goicerays.com, on Ticketmaster, or at the Hilliard Center box office
About Corpus Christi IceRays: The Corpus Christi IceRays, a member of the North American Hockey League playing out of the Hilliard Center in downtown Corpus Christi, TX. For more information or for all your ticketing needs, contact the IceRays Front Office at (361)-814-PUCK or visit www.GoIceRays.com . You can also follow the team through their social media platforms: Facebook @goicerays, Instagram @iceraysnahl, and Twitter @iceraysnahl
About North American Hockey League: Celebrating its 50th season in 2024-25, the NAHL, the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 35 teams in 20 states from North American. For more information, visit the NAHL website at https://nahl.com/
About Hilliard Center: Hilliard Center is an entertainment complex owned by the city of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group with OVG Hospitality. The complex is in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas and consists of an arena, auditorium, and convention center. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events. Located directly on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay downtown, Hilliard Center is flexible for any group offering complimentary Wi-Fi and premium food and beverage options.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
