IceRays Send Rights of Jacob LaChance and 2027 3rd Round Pick
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays announce that the team has acquired forward Ben Dempster from the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks in exchange for the rights to Jacob LaChance and a 2027 third-round draft pick.
Dempster joins the IceRays after spending the last two seasons with the Jr. Hat Tricks bringing valuable experience to the Corpus Christi lineup. The Oakland, Michigan, native posted 18 goals and 37 points in 101 games with Danbury. The organization believes his addition will strengthen the team’s depth as preparations continue for the upcoming season.
“We’re excited to welcome Ben to the IceRays organization,” said IceRays Head Coach Nick Skerlick. “He’s a player who competes hard every night and brings qualities that fit the identity we’re building. We look forward to having him in Corpus Christi.”
The 19-year-old center stands 5-foot-8 and weighs 163 pounds. He developed through the Compuware and Victory Honda programs before making the jump to junior hockey. In his final season with Victory Honda, Dempster recorded 36 goals and 75 points in 73 games, showcasing the offensive ability that made him a promising junior prospect.
LaChance was selected by the IceRays in the first round of the 2026 NAHL Draft. The organization thanks him for his time and wishes him continued success with the Jr. Hat Tricks.
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 Corpus Christi’s premier entertainment and event complex, proudly owned by the City of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group. Named in partnership with Hilliard Law, a firm dedicated to service and community, the waterfront venue features a state-of-the-art arena, the historic Selena Auditorium, and a versatile convention center overlooking the scenic Corpus Christi Bay. With adaptable spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and premium food and beverage offerings, Hilliard Center is designed to deliver exceptional experiences as South Texas’ home for live entertainment, conventions, and community gatherings.
Visit HilliardCenter.com and follow the Hilliard Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest news and event updates.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
