CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – As the Corpus Christi IceRays are set to embark on their fourth season in the North American Hockey League, the departure of key players on the offensive side of the puck puts most of the focus during today’s NAHL Draft on offense.
The draft is set for 1PM Central Standard Time and can be listened to for free HERE.
As the season came to a close in the first round of the North American Hockey League’s South Division Semifinals, the IceRays knew they were losing their top five point scorers.
“We feel that with the departure of some key players, it’s no secret that we are in need of forwards,” said head coach Justin Quenneville. “Our focus will be up front and looking to attack the draft from a wide list of players we have narrowed it down too. As always, the team strives to find players with a good skill set, high hockey IQ and above all a good individual.”
The key forwards offensively that the IceRays will be losing are players such as Rudy Sulmonte (60pts), Emil Romig (54pts), Perry D’Arrisso (44pts), Mike Economos (35pts), and Beau Walker (32pts). The puts the draft emphasis on offense.
Corpus Christi will pick five times in today’s draft. After not picking in the first round due to a trade this past season, the Rays’ will have two of those picks in the second round of the draft, with one pick in each of the three rounds.
Fans can listen to the draft live and for free online at www.fasthockey.com. The broadcast today will include live draft pick coverage, analysis of the picks, and interviews.
In addition to listening, fans can follow the IceRays twitter (@goicerays) account for live pick updates.
The number of players each team is able to draft varies on that team's current roster (protected list) minus the number 30 as of midnight of June 3rd. Leading up to midnight of June 3rd, each team's roster is comprised of veteran players and signed tenders only. For example, if a team has 15 veterans rostered and 8 tenders signed as of midnight of June 3rd (23 total), that team is allowed seven (7) draft picks.
The IceRays currently have 25 players either rostered or tendered and will be allowed five picks.
“This is now our 4th Draft Year and its exciting every time,” Quenneville finished. “All the visits to rinks across the country, phone calls made, emails replied, and overall work from the scouts, coaches, and hockey staff throughout this year comes down to 5 picks for the organization.”
WHAT: 2013 NAHL Draft
WHERE: Listen FREE HERE
WHEN: June 4th @ 1:00PM CST
Season tickets for the 2013-2014 season of IceRays hockey are now on sale. Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for 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), and the team’s Youtube channel ICERAYS TV (@goicerays)
