HOCKEY MEETS ART: EXHIBITION LEADS WEEK’S GAMES

Dec 8, 2014

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays return to the American Bank Center on Thursday, December 11 and Friday, December 12 to play a two-game set against the Amarillo Bulls. Throughout the course of both games, the IceRays will be hosting an art exhibition by Texas A&M Corpus Christi Masters of Arts student Cole Vittetoe entitled, “12 Jerseys: A Celebration of Family, Friends, and Hockey.”

Vittetoe grew up a life long sports fan in Missouri and Oklahoma, especially the sport of hockey. As he earned his Bachelor of Arts from Oklahoma State University and taught middle school and high school art, hockey continued to be a strong influence on his life, following the Boston Bruins and incorporating his love of the sport with his love of his work.

“The thing that defines me most is my love for hockey,” said Vittetoe in a statement on his website, ColeVittetoe.com.  “Whether it is playing, watching, or reading about hockey, my life revolves around it. My latest artwork has begun to incorporate the aesthetics of the sport into it. My family and friends play a large role in my life, and since most of them share the same passion about hockey as I have, I’ve started to include these people and their relationship with the sport into my work as well. Hockey lends itself to limitless potential for artistic expression. I want the viewer of my artwork to experience the same passion that I have towards the game.”

Vittetoe will be displaying his works throughout the concourse during both Thursday and Friday games. A silent auction will take place on the prints of his 12 focal pieces of the exhibition as well as various hockey-themed pieces of art. After the final horn on Friday, those that claim the highest bid will be able to receive their art pieces. Those that cannot attend Friday’s game but still mark the highest bid will be able to claim their artwork at the IceRays Front Office on Monday, December 15. For more information on Cole Vittetoe, his artwork, and his future plans, visit www.ColeVittetoe.com.

Thursday is also “Twofer Thursday,” in which fans can purchase one ticket to Thursday’s game and receive a second ticket for free. In addition, fans can purchase one slice of Hunt Brothers Pizza in the American Bank Center and receive a slice of cheese pizza for free. On Friday, “Frosty Friday” returns with $1 beers on tap all game. For tickets, visit www.Ticketmaster.com or any Ticketmaster location, or purchase your tickets at the American Bank Center Box Office weekdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, contact the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK.

The IceRays and Bulls meet for the second time this season, with the IceRays trailing 0-1-1 in their 2014-15 campaign following a 5-4 shootout loss and 6-3 regulation loss to the Bulls from the Amarillo Civic Center on October 24 & 25. The IceRays fell in their last two games against the Wichita Falls Wildcats last weekend, dropping to 1-4-0 in their last five games. However, the squad take a six-game home winning streak into their matchup, the best streak of its kind this season. Coverage of both games begins at 6:50 p.m. with Countdown to Faceoff on SportsJuice.com, FASTHockey.com, and 87.7 FM in-arena.

Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for season and individual ticket details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com. 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 (IceRays TV).