Thibault Collected 34 Points in 42 Gams Last Season for Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays are excited to announce the return of forward Justin Thibault for the 2026-27 season. He will make his season debut for the IceRays tonight as Corpus Christi looks to complete a sweep against the El Paso Rhinos on the road.
Thibault, 18, returns to Corpus Christi after an impressive first season in the North American Hockey League. The Lévis, Quebec, native appeared in 42 games for the IceRays during the 2025-26 campaign, recording 12 goals and 22 assists for 34 points while establishing himself as an important part of the IceRays lineup.
The 5-foot-7, 176-pound left-shot forward brings a combination of skill, speed, competitiveness, and offensive ability back to the IceRays. Before joining Corpus Christi, Thibault enjoyed a standout 2024-25 season with the Mercer Chiefs of the NCDC, where he registered 22 goals and 27 assists for 49 points in 41 games. His performance earned him NCDC Atlantic Division Rookie of the Year honors.
Thibault has also earned recognition at the next level. He was selected by the Sioux Falls Stampede in the sixth round, 92nd overall, of the 2025 USHL Entry Draft. Thibault returns to the IceRays after spending training camp with the Sioux Falls Stampede of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The experience adds another layer to his development after Thibault appeared in six games with the Stampede last season, gaining valuable experience at the Tier I junior hockey level. His time in Sioux Falls provided an opportunity to continue competing against some of the top junior players in North America before returning to Corpus Christi for the 2026-27 season.
His return gives the IceRays another familiar offensive weapon as the team continues its push in the South Division.
“Justin is a player we’re very excited to have back in Corpus Christi,” said IceRays Head Coach Nick Skerlick. “He had a strong first season in the NAHL, and his skill, compete level, and ability to make plays offensively will be important for our group. Having a player who already knows our organization and the league gives us another piece we can count on as we continue building this team.”
Now back in the IceRays lineup, Thibault will look to build on a strong first NAHL season and continue his development in Corpus Christi.
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.
