First-Year Head Coach Nick Skerlick Leads IceRays into new NAHL Campaign
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (0-0-0) embark on their 16th season in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) as they host the El Paso Rhinos (0-0-0) for Home Opening Weekend, presented by Hilliard Law.
GAME INFORMATION / BROADCAST
The festivities kick off at the Hilliard Center on Friday, September 11, for the IceRays home opener, which features a magnet schedule giveaway for the first 1,500 fans in attendance.
The fun continues on Saturday, September 12, for the series finale, where the first 1,500 fans will receive an IceRays jersey-themed rally towel. Following the game, a post-game skate with the players will take place for $10. Fans who bring their own skates will be charged $5.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m., followed by a 7:05 p.m. puck drop both nights.
Fans unable to make it to the Hilliard Center can catch every IceRays game this season live on NATV. The “Voice of the IceRays”, Joey Erickson, will have the call throughout the 2026-27 campaign, bringing all the action directly to fans wherever they are.
NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN
Plenty of changes took place with the IceRays over the summer, but none were bigger than the addition of new head coach Nick Skerlick. The Wayne, New Jersey, native became the IceRays third bench boss in as many years after spending three seasons with the Maine Nordiques in the East Division.
The 32-year-old was the youngest coach in the NAHL when he took over in Maine in 2023. He went on to lead the Nordiques to three straight winning seasons, along with three consecutive Robertson Cup Playoff appearances.
Skerlick will try his luck down south as the IceRays seek a third straight playoff appearance this season.
A PEEK BACK, A PEEK AHEAD
Corpus Christi finished the 2025-26 regular season in fourth place in the South Division with a 30-23-6 overall record. Despite a slow start, the IceRays turned it on in the second half to clinch their second straight postseason appearance, where they were bounced in the first round by Shreveport.
El Paso finished just ahead of Corpus Christi in third place before falling to the eventual South Division champion Lone Star Brahmas.
The South Division underwent some remodeling over the summer and features nine teams once again, with the addition of the Houston Bulls, who relocated from North Iowa. Thirty-six teams now make up the NAHL, with five new organizations comprising the newest Mountain Division as well.
IF YOU MESS WITH THE RHINO, YOU GET THE HORN
The season series between the IceRays and Rhinos was less than ideal for Corpus Christi a season ago. El Paso won seven of the eight matchups, with the IceRays lone victory coming in the final meeting in a 3-2 shootout victory.
The Rhinos margin of victory was 2.42 goals despite being outshot in every contest.
Both sides will become well acquainted early in the season, with the IceRays and Rhinos meeting a total of six times during the opening month.
For more information, contact info@goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK. Fans can also visit 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.
