Two former IceRays, who played major roles in the success of the team’s first year in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), have each made the 25-man roster for two teams in the United States Hockey League (USHL).
Forward Beau Walker has made the Sioux City Musketeers’ final 25 while defenseman Colton Saucerman is listed with the Lincoln Stars. USHL hockey teams are required to trim their rosters to 23 prior to the start of the team’s regular season.
Walker led the IceRays in scoring this past season and was selected by the Muskies in the 2011 USHL Entry Draft held recently. After impressing the coaching staff at Sioux City’s tryout camp, he was selected for the initial 25-man roster and will join Sioux City veterans along with some new faces this season.
In Corpus Christi, Walker was a featured forward on the team’s top line. His 21 goals were second on the team while his 62 points led the team.
Saucerman will join his third USHL team in his career should he suit up for Lincoln in the Fall. The 19-year old has spent time in Des Moines and Dubuque as well. He had committed to play college hockey with the UMass-Lowell Riverhawks, but recent coaching changes in Lowell resulted in Saucerman heading back to the Juniors ranks.
The Colorado Springs native made an immediate impact on the IceRays when he was acquired midway through the 2010-11 season. An offensive-minded defenseman, Saucerman tallied eight goals and 26 assists for 34 points in 39 games played. He earned a letter near the end of the season as an alternate captain for the team.
Hockey returns to Corpus Christi in 76 days when the IceRays host the Odessa Jackalopes at the American Bank Center. Don’t have your season tickets yet? Call the front office at 361.814.PUCK (7825).
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