Team Consists of 14 Forwards, Eight Defenseman, and Two Goalies
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) have finalized their roster for the 2025–26 season following a series of moves ahead of the February 6 trade deadline. The IceRays lineup now features 14 forwards, eight defensemen, and two goaltenders as the team prepares for the stretch run toward the Robertson Cup Playoffs. League rules required all 34 NAHL teams to reduce their rosters to 24 active players prior to the trade deadline on February 6.
“Our staff worked tirelessly to build a roster that reflects our identity: fast, physical, and committed to development,” said the IceRays CEO Steve Donner. “We believe this group has the character and depth to compete at a high level and represent Corpus Christi with pride as we push toward the Robertson Cup Playoffs.”
Corpus Christi made several moves ahead of the deadline, including a reunion with forward Colin Watson and the addition of defenseman Nikita Konevych. The IceRays also bolstered their blue line by acquiring Joel Hanson from Kenai River and brought in Gavin Melcher to round out the goaltending tandem.
Below is the IceRays finalized roster for the 2025–26 season, listed by position:
FORWARDS:
Johnny Maruna, Chayse Laurie, Johnathan Pylypuik, James Chase, Nick Sinani, Justin Thibault, Alexandr Skuratov, Easton Swift, Jack Mackenzie, Johnathan Cifaldi, Charles Norris III, Emil Obstfelder, Andrej Paricka, Colin Watson.
DEFENSEMAN:
Cooper Anderson, Marc-Alexandre Richard, Lucas Hihn, Nick Evans, Islom Dzhabberganov, Joel Hanson, Nikita Konevych, Sam Troutwine.
GOALIES:
Gavin Melcher and Xander Miceli.
The IceRays currently stand in fourth place in the South Division with 16 games remaining in the regular season. The top six teams make the postseason. Corpus Christi is attempting to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2018 and 2019.
NEXT SERIES
The IceRays begin a six-game road trip this weekend in Odessa against the Jackalopes February 13 and 14. Puck drop at Ector County Coliseum is scheduled at 7:15 p.m. Friday and 6:00 p.m. Saturday. Tune in live on NAHLtv or listen for free on the Retro Radio CC app. The pregame show starts 15 minutes ahead of puck drop.
NEXT HOME SERIES
Corpus Christi returns to the Hilliard Center the first week of March when they host the Oklahoma Warriors on the 6th and 7th. AutoNation Chevy South and the IceRays are partnering for the Shoot the Puck – Win a Truck giveaway, where two lucky fans will have the chance to win a 2026 Chevy Silverado 1500 Crew Cab 4×4 on March 6 at the Hillard Center. Saturday is STEM Night presented by Gulf Coast Growth Ventures. For more information visit goicerays.com.
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW
Tickets start at just $5! Student and Active Military Tickets are available at the Hilliard Center Box Office with valid ID.
Grab yours now at www.goicerays.com, on Ticketmaster, or at the Hilliard Center box office
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.
