CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays have signed three new tenders for the 2014-2015 season as (D) Taylor Karel, (F) Tyler Johnson, and (F) Jack Jenson all committed for next season.
“The IceRays have just added three quality people and players to their 2014-15 group,” said head coach John Becanic. “We are always humbled when players chose Corpus Christi as the place to develop their game for the next level. In Tyler Johnson, we add some much needed size up that will allow us to possess the puck down low or longer periods of time. Jack Jenson and Taylor Karel both play for Eagan HS which lost in the Minnesota State Tournament semi-finals to eventual champion Edina. Their competitiveness is something that we welcome to our team. Again with Taylor we have added a big strong defender that will make us much more difficult to play against in our zone. A complete player, Jack should be able to step in immediately and make us a better team in all three zones.”
Karel is a big presence on the point for Eagan High School and is excited for the season. “I am honored to have the opportunity to tender with the IceRays,” said Karel “The organization has an outstanding coaching staff with years of experience. With my size, the fans can expect a strong physical defenseman holding down the blue line and protecting our zone. They can expect me to give it my all at every practice and game. Coach Becanic has a great background in coaching and has been very successful in every league that he has coached in. I feel that Coach Becanic will help me develop my playing skills and assist me reaching the next level. The fan base and community really added to my decision to tender with the IceRays.”
Karel suits up with forward Jack Jenson on Eagan High School who has 16 goals and 32 assists in just 25 regular season games played. “It feels great to sign a tender with the IceRays for next season, and I could not be more excited,” said Jenson. “Fans can look for a high energy two-way forward who can create offensive opportunities for teammates and myself. Coach Becanic was the one who sold me on the IceRays. I am eager for the opportunity to play for him, the coaching staff, along with a great organization and fan base.”
Tyler Johnson rounds out the recent signings and was the power forward the ‘Rays were looking for. “It feels great to sign with the IceRays,” said Johnson. “I'm really excited to train hard this offseason so that I can come ready to make an impact next season right away. Fans can expect a big power forward who's committed to the team. I love playing in front of the net and working in the corners. There's nothing I hate more than losing so fans can expect 100% effort and a competitive drive. The choice was really easy for me when I started talking to people about the city. I know that the IceRays have amazing fans and a great community. I've heard nothing but great things. There are a lot of places you can find good hockey, but great cities are tough to find and I think I found a perfect fit in Corpus Christi.”
The IceRays are off this weekend but return to action next Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in the valley to take on the Killer Bees. Puck drops at 7:05PM, coverage begins at 6:50PM with the IceRays Pregame Show on 91.1FM KSGR, ksgr.org, ustream.com, and fasthockey.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)
