O'BRIEN, MCDIARMID EACH COMMIT TO PLAY NCAA DIII HOCKEY

Apr 1, 2014

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – Two veteran members of the Corpus Christi IceRays who played their final junior hockey games this past Saturday night will continue to lace up the skates at the Division III as (D) Caleb O’Brien announced he will attend University of Wisconsin-River Falls while (F) Luke McDiarmid is going to take the ice for Lawrence University to start the 2014-15 season.

“I'm very excited to be able to continue my hockey career for the next four years and be able to get a college degree which is the most important part,” said O’Brien who played almost two seasons with the ‘Rays and three in the North American Hockey League.  In 85 games played in Corpus Christi, the defenseman tallied up four goals and 16 assists, along with 175 penalty minutes.  The Michigan native suited up for 43 games with Aberdeen before the trade to Corpus Christi.

“It was a very easy decision for me because of their hockey tradition and how outstanding of a program they have year after year,” O’Brien added.  “University of Wisconsin-River Falls has a chance to win a championship every year.  The role I want to take on is to be a shutdown defenseman and be able to be relied on in all situations.”

The University of Wisconsin-River Falls is always a top contender in Division III hockey.  This past season they finished the regular season atop the WIAC with a record of 15-9-3 overall. 

“I want to thank the IceRays organization for the past two years and especially the fans for all the support,” O’Brien finished.  “I couldn't be more thankful for the opportunity to play here.” 

As for Luke McDiarmid, he will play in the NCHA conference with Lawrence University who faces up against some of the top teams in the nation, including defending National Champion, St. Norbert.

“It feels great to have a place to play at the college level for the next four years,” said McDiarmid, who played two seasons with Corpus Christi.  “I'm excited to start the next chapter of my life and career at Lawrence.  I chose them because it's not only a very prestigious college in its academics, but it’s also a growing hockey program.”

In 80 games played with the IceRays, this Michigan born skater picked up two goals and nine assists while racking up 216 minutes in the penalty box, along with recording an assist in last season’s playoff series with Amarillo.  McDiarmid understands his role heading into college.

“I believe my role at Lawrence University will be a bottom six forward, killing penalties and grinding making us a hard team to play against.”

Much like O’Brien did, McDiarmid cherished his time in Texas.  “I loved my time in Corpus Christi the past two years. I want to thanks the organization, the fans, and the billet families that made my time in South Texas unforgettable and two of the best years of my life.”

“The IceRay organization is about providing the opportunity to players who want to pursue their dream of playing college hockey,” said head coach John Becanic.  “I know that both Pat and I are always thrilled when we see that happen. Both Luke and Caleb are going to schools that fit both their academic and athletic needs. We couldn't be happier for them.”

Both O’Brien and McDiarmid came to the IceRays from the Flint Jr. Generals.

Season tickets for the 2014-2015 season of IceRays hockey will be on sale shortly.  Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com.

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