IceRays Trim Roster to 40 as Three-Game Series with Mudbugs Begins Thursday
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays made their first round of roster cuts Tuesday as training camp continues to take shape ahead of a three-game preseason series against the Shreveport Mudbugs beginning Thursday.
After three full days of practices and scrimmages, the IceRays have trimmed their training camp roster from 46 players to 40, with less than a week remaining before the team must finalize its roster ahead of the Sept. 1 deadline.
First-year Head Coach Nick Skerlick and his coaching staff will have several more opportunities to evaluate the remaining players before making the final roster decisions.
“We’re getting closer to putting this team together, and these decisions are never easy,” Skerlick said. “We’ve had a lot of good competition throughout camp, and the guys who remain have earned the opportunity to continue competing. Now it’s about seeing who can consistently bring the compete level, pace and attitude we’re looking for.”
The three-game preseason series in Shreveport will be particularly important for players competing for a spot on the 25-man roster. With limited opportunities remaining, players on the bubble will look to make a strong impression against the Mudbugs.
“Preseason games are a great opportunity for these guys to show us what they can do when the lights come on,” Skerlick added. “We’re looking for players who are going to compete for 60 minutes, play the right way and make their teammates better. It’s going to be a big test for our group, and we’re excited to see how they respond.”
The preseason action begins Thursday, Aug. 27, at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport. Game two is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 28, with the preseason finale set for Saturday, Aug. 29.
Puck drop for all three games is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. CT.
All three preseason games will be streamed live and free on NATV, with the “Voice of the IceRays,” Joey Erickson, beginning the pregame show 15 minutes before puck drop.
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OPENING WEEKEND
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
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.
