Easton Swift Leads Team South to Undefeated Showcase
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The North American Hockey League (NAHL) 2026 Top Prospects Tournament concluded last night at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan, with the Corpus Christi IceRays well represented on one of the league’s biggest stages.
Five IceRays players earned selections to the event: forwards Andrej Paricka, Easton Swift, and Justin Thibault, along with defensemen Nick Evans and Islom Dzhabberganov. The group was split between Team South and Selects Red, competing alongside, and against top players from all 34 NAHL teams over a two-game showcase.
The annual Top Prospects Tournament provides NCAA and NHL scouts with a prime opportunity to evaluate the league’s top uncommitted players, as well as potential NHL Draft selections. Hosted at USA Hockey Arena — home of the United States National Team Development Program — the event serves as a critical platform for exposure as college programs finalize recruiting classes ahead of the upcoming season.
Corpus Christi had three representatives on Team South: Paricka, Swift, and Dzhabberganov, which finished the tournament unbeaten. Meanwhile, Evans and Thibault suited up for Selects Red, which split its two games. The squad capped off the tournament with an exciting 4-3 shootout victory in the finale.
Easton Swift made the most of his opportunity after stepping in for teammate Johnny Maruna, who was unable to participate due to injury. The West Hartford, Connecticut native delivered an impressive performance, recording three points in two games for Team South.
Swift opened his tournament with a goal in a 3-1 win over the Midwest Division. He followed that effort with a goal and an assist in a 3-2 victory against the Central Division to close out the event, receiving Player of the Game for his performance.
The strong representation at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament reflects the IceRays continued development success and presence on the national stage. As the regular season progresses, the experience gained in Plymouth will serve as valuable momentum for the IceRays and their standout performers.
NEXT SERIES
The road trip continues for the IceRays this weekend as they make their first visit to the Blazers Ice Centre for a series with the Oklahoma Warriors. The IceRays and Warriors open the series on Friday, February 20 and wrap up the weekend on Saturday, February 21. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT both nights. Fans can watch the game live on NAHLTV or tune in for free on the Retro Radio CC app.
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.
