Most Anticipated Hockey Season in Corpus Christi is Here!
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays are set to officially kick off preparations for the 2026–27 season as Training Camp opens this Friday, August 21, at the Hilliard Center.
With a new season on the horizon, the IceRays are ready to welcome players, coaches, staff and fans back to the rink for one of the most anticipated seasons of hockey in Corpus Christi.
The offseason saw plenty of changes for the Coastal Bend club, but none more important than new leadership behind the bench in the form of Nick Skerlick. The 32-year-old Wayne, New Jersey, native may be a stranger to hockey by the bay, but he is certainly no stranger to success in the NAHL.
Skerlick spent the past three seasons with the Maine Nordiques in the East Division, compiling an impressive 116-67-18 overall record, equating to a .621 winning percentage. He comes to Nueces County fresh off three consecutive playoff berths with the Nordiques, including two East Division Final appearances. The former Nordiques bench boss will look to guide the IceRays to a third straight postseason appearance in his first season in charge.
“I’m extremely excited to get to Corpus Christi and get this group on the ice,” said IceRays Head Coach Nick Skerlick. “There’s a lot of talent and potential coming into camp, and our goal from day one is to build a team that works hard, competes for each other and gives the city of Corpus Christi something to be proud of. We know there’s a lot of work ahead, but we’re looking forward to getting started.”
Fifty players from across the country and around the world will descend upon South Texas in hopes of earning a coveted roster spot for the 2026–27 season. Among the 50, defenseman Nikita Koneyvich, goalie Vlad Bryzgalov and forwards Charles Norris III, Jonathan Cifaldi and Chayse Laurie highlight the group of returning players.
New faces are littered throughout camp, including 10 draft picks selected in June and five tenders signed over the summer. One name may have a familiar ring to longtime IceRays fans. Forward Jacob Wingfield, son of former IceRay Brad Wingfield, was a third-round selection in the most recent draft after spending two seasons in the BCHL. The 20-year-old racked up 108 penalty minutes in 30 games last season, a far cry from his father’s career total of 1,086 penalty minutes in four seasons with Corpus Christi.
A total of six Nordiques will follow their former head coach south, bringing valuable experience within the league. Michael Sandruck should make an instant impact on the IceRays after posting 32 points in 42 games under Skerlick. The Victor, New York, native has played 92 career games in the NAHL, collecting 28 goals and 62 points.
Training Camp marks the beginning of the team’s journey toward the 2026–27 season, giving players an opportunity to compete for roster spots, build chemistry and establish the foundation for the months ahead. The IceRays coaching staff will be tasked with trimming the roster to a maximum of 25 players on the active roster by September 1.
The action all culminates with Home Opening Weekend on September 11 and 12, presented by Hilliard Law. The IceRays will host the El Paso Rhinos on Friday and Saturday at the Hilliard Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights.
The first 1,500 fans through the doors on Friday will receive an IceRays Schedule Magnet, while the first 1,500 fans on Saturday will take home an IceRays Rally Towel.
Opening Weekend tickets are ON SALE NOW at https://www.ticketmaster.com/corpus-christi-icerays-tickets/artist/841448.
For the latest Corpus Christi IceRays news, schedule information and team updates, follow the IceRays @iceraysnahl on social media and visit the team’s website https://www.goicerays.com/.
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.
