Corpus Christi Sends 2026 Sixth-Round Selection Tucker Mears
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi IceRays have acquired forward Willem Kerr from the Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks in exchange for forward Tucker Mears, the team announced Monday.
Kerr, 20, joins the IceRays after spending the 2025-26 season with Danbury in the North American Hockey League. The 6-foot, 183-pound right-shot forward recorded seven goals and nine assists for 16 points in 49 regular-season games. He also appeared in three playoff games, recording one assist.
A native of Toronto, Kerr has played 51 career NAHL games, totaling seven goals and 10 assists. He previously played junior hockey in the NA3HL and Ontario Junior Hockey League, including two seasons with the St. Michael’s Buzzers.
“We’re excited to bring Willem into our group,” IceRays head coach Nick Skerlick said. “He’s a competitive forward who brings experience at the NAHL level, plays with an edge and has the ability to contribute in a variety of situations. We believe he will fit well with the identity we’re building here in Corpus Christi.”
Mears, 19, was selected by the IceRays in the sixth round, 180th overall, of the 2026 NAHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot, 201-pound right-shot forward is a native of Shaker Heights, Ohio, and played his prep hockey at The Frederick Gunn School, where he recorded 13 goals and 14 assists for 27 points in 31 games during the 2025-26 season.
Kerr is expected to join the IceRays later this week.
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.
