ICERAYS TENDER HPHL FORWARD GUNNAR LINDBLAD

Feb 24, 2015

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays have signed forward Gunnar Lindblad from the Chicago Mission U18 of the High Performance Hockey League (HPHL) to a tender contract for the 2015-16 season. Lindblad is the second consecutive member of the Chicago Mission U18 to be tendered and the eighth tender this year.

“The IceRays have a consistency of winning,” said Lindblad. “You can tell from Coach [John] Becanic’s record. He has a history of moving guys on to the next level, making the playoffs, and winning. It’s an exciting time for me.”

Lindblad, 17, has appeared in 26 games with the Chicago Mission U18 in the 2014-15 season, recording four goals and 15 assists for 19 points with two penalty minutes as well as three game-winning goals. The Evanston, Ill., native previously played with the Chicago Young Americans U16 (HPHL), recording nine goal and 10 assists for 19 points with eight penalty minutes over two seasons. The 5-foot-8, 140-pound forward is considered a two-way forward that focuses on the defensive-side of the ice while playing a clean game. Lindblad joins current teammate Jimmy O’Brien, who was tendered by the IceRays two weeks ago.

“We’ve been playing together since we were mites. [IceRays Director of Scouting & Player Development] Rick Ellison approached us after a game and was interested in both of us. Obviously, it helps tendering with someone that you know to make it more intriguing and to make the transition a little easier.”

Lindblad is also the younger brother of Matt Lindblad, who plays left wing for the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL). Matt has played four games with the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League (NHL) over his first two full professional seasons.

Gunnar is the fifth forward to be tendered by the IceRays for next season, joining O’Brien, Andrew McGlynn, Nick Bortolotto, and Landon Quinney.

The IceRays hit the road on Friday, February 27 at 7:05 p.m. to begin a two-game set against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees from State Farm 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), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), and Vine (@goicerays).