RYAN BENNETT RETURNS TO USHL AS ASSISTANT COACH

May 16, 2012

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays have sent another member of the team to the United States Hockey League, this time behind the bench.  Assistant coach, and former IceRays forward Ryan Bennett has been named the assistant coach for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL.

Bennett returns to Des Moines where he played two seasons with the Buccaneers.  “It feels good to be going back to Des Moines.  I loved my time there when I played and it was the beginning of my hockey career and it opened up a lot of doors for myself as a player. Going back now as a coach and having the opportunity to help these kids that are in the position I was back then is exciting to me.”

With the Buccaneers, Bennett scored 29 goals and 28 assists in 61 games played.  In his time spent on the ice in Corpus Christi, the Glens Falls, NY native scored 35 goals and assisted 75 others in two years. 

“Ryan's presence will be missed around Corpus Christi,” said head coach Justin Quenneville.  “However this was opportunity for him to open an even larger door.”

Even though Bennett departs, he praised the organization that he feels has a very bright future.  “The IceRays in just two year have already positioned themselves as one premier organizations in the NAHL. They have a great reputation in the junior hockey circles and have already sent several kids to D1 and D3 schools. I think the Corpus organization is moving in the right direction and are going to have a very successful 12-13 season.”

“I would also like to thank Tim & Cassidy Lange, along with Pat Dunn for bringing me to Corpus Christi and giving me the opportunity to play and coach in a great organization. In addition, I would also like to thank Coach Quenneville, Chris Mei and George Escamilla for all there support the past 4 years.”

IceRays season tickets for the 15th anniversary year are currently on sale now!  Call the IceRays front office at 361-814-7825 for more information.

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)

“THE NEW ICERAYS…TOMORROW’S STARS”