CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – At least one IceRays player will be attending camp in the United States Hockey League next year to try and earn a roster spot for the 2012-2013 season. In the USHL Entry Draft, the Dubuque Fighting Saints selected IceRays forward Brandon Smith in the 4th round, 56th overall.
“It's such an honor and a privilege to be selected by the Fighting Saints,” said Smith. “I've heard nothing but good things about the organization and I look forward to continue my hockey career there.”
The 17yr old posted 12 goals and 15 assists in 58 games played for the IceRays in his rookie campaign. He was also selected by the NAHL to play on the U18 Select team at the 2012 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament in Troy, Michigan.
“First of all on behalf of the entire organization we would like to congratulate Smith on his selection to the Dubuque Fighting Saints in this summer’s USHL Entry Draft,” said head coach Justin Quenneville. “He has an extremely bright future and we couldn’t be more excited for him to be a part of a program like Dubuque. He will have the opportunity to play under an experienced and extremely knowledgeable coaching staff.”
Smith was one of 20 players from the North American Hockey League selected in the Entry Draft.
“I have to thank everyone from here in Corpus for all they've done for me. It means so much to me and my family, and we can't thank the IceRays organization enough” Smith added.
Several players that were tendered by the IceRays this season were also selected in the Draft. Trevor Heuser, Will Clark, William Christopoulos, and Grant Hutton all were chosen. Three of the four IceRays tenders were drafted by the Des Moines Buccaneers. Christopoulos was chosen in the 10th round (138th overall) by Des Moines while Will Clark was a 13th round pick (183rd overall) by the Buccaneers. Heuser, who played four games for the IceRays this season was the 19th round pick (273rd overall) by Des Moines. Grant Hutton was the only tender not to get drafted by the Buccaneers. Hutton was selected by the Indiana Ice in the 20th round (299th overall).
Heading into the third season in the NAHL this fall, Quenneville stresses what the objective is in the NAHL for the IceRays. “This marks additional chapter in another successful season developing players forward with elite exposure to as many opportunities as possible.”
Corpus Christi IceRays season tickets are now on sale! Call 361-814-7825 to find out prices and locations, or view season ticket packages online at www.goicerays.com. This weekend the IceRays head to Valley Ranch, TX to host the pre-draft camp! Follow the camp all weekend long on Twitter and Facebook.
Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/corpuschristiicerays), Twitter (@goicerays), and the team’s Youtube channel ICERAYS TV (@goicerays)
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