CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – IceRays defensemen Andrew Paras will continue his hockey career in college after committing to lace up the skates for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls starting next season.
Paras played one season with the IceRays but was a two year NAHL defensemen suiting up for 16 games in 2011-2012 with the Texas Tornado and 25 games with the Chicago Hitmen. The Barrington, IL native scored three goals and added two assists.
This season with the Rays’, Paras notched two goals and ten assists along with 122 penalty minutes in 59 games and filled a key role blocking shots and killing penalties.
“On behalf of the entire organization we would like to congratulate Andrew on his commitment,” said head coach Justin Quenneville. “He took his time throughout this process in making his decision and Coach Freeman will be inheriting a competitive and consistent player.”
The Falcons are members of the NCHA and were not the only team chasing after Paras throughout the season.
“Andrew had several schools show invested interest in him,” Quenneville added. “However he felt that the University of Wisconsin-River Falls was best suited academically and on the ice for the next four years.”
Wisconsin-River Falls competes in a strong conference and takes on the likes of St. Norbert, Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and defending National Champion Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
“I couldn't be happier with my decision to go play for the University of Wisconsin-River Falls next season,” said Paras. “They're a strong program with a lot of good players and I hope I can add to their team.”
Paras is now the 25th player in just three seasons in the NAHL that the IceRays have helped move on to play collegiate hockey.
“I wouldn't have been able to do this without head coach Justin Quenneville and assistant coach Jeff Worlton,” Paras concluded. “They have prepared me to take the next step in my hockey career and I’m forever grateful to the entire IceRays organization.”
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)
