Coliseum clean-up

Published on October 13, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas – This season, the Corpus Christi Rayz have taken over control of the Memorial Coliseum. Early on in their management of the historic Corpus Christi venue, the Rayz are doing their part to make it an inviting place to all. On Wednesday afternoon, from 4-6pm, the Corpus Christi Rayz will be performing a "Coliseum Clean-Up" to refurbish the Igloo.

Rayz staff members will be painting the outside of the arena, cleaning up the landscape surrounding the building, and remodeling the inside of the Igloo to make sure that the only public skating rink in town is in better shape as time moves on. The Rayz structured a deal with the city this summer that makes them the operating managers of the Memorial Coliseum throughout the duration of the Rayz hockey season. Rayz General Manager, Larry Linde said he wanted fans to look at the Coliseum and see a welcoming picture,e where they would want to spend time.

"This is the first step," said Linde. "We are taking the initiative and doing our part to give the public a first-rate place to come skate and participate in the many fun activities we have here. The Coliseum hasn't just been the Rayz home for the past six years, but it's been a landmark for Corpus Christi and hockey here. It deserves to look good, and we will make sure that's the case."

Over the summer, the Rayz have shown that they are not afraid to get a little dirty in doing manual labor. As part of the "Rayz for Hire" program, Linde and Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae operated backhoes and other heavy machinery for Copano Bay Excavation a month ago. The Rayz have dubbed their slogan for the 2004-2005 season as "Blue Collar Hockey." Linde and the Rayz are carrying that over from the ice to the public.

"It's more than just a tagline for our season," Linde said. "That's our philosophy as an organization. We're going to do what it takes to succeed and get things done the right way. Our fans, and the people of Corpus Christi, have a strong work ethic and go the extra mile in their jobs, and we will mirror that, and hopefully the end result be a successful, fun, rewarding year."

The Rayz will be using the Coliseum for many events throughout the season. The Igloo will regularly be used as a practice facility to the Rayz, public skating to the public, and the home of youth and adult hockey leagues and clinics. The Coliseum is also branching out and hosting birthday parties and many public events throughout the year. Some upcoming events include the Coliseum's Halloween on Ice and the November 6th, Fall Extravaganza.

During the week leading up to October 31st, there will be a Halloween theme to the Coliseum. There will be a pumpkin carving contest beginning on the 29th and culminating on Halloween evening. The Coliseum will provide a fun, safe place for children to come trick or treat. The following wee on Saturday, November 6th from 1-4pm, the Coliseum, will host the Fall Extravaganza to inform the Corpus Christi community that Coliseum is available for events all year. There will be food, refreshments, family style entertainment, public skating and more. Local businesses will be on hand to help promote the event. For more details on all Coliseum events, please contact, Maria Guerra at the Coliseum at (361)879-0795, and come see the updated Memorial Coliseum all season long.

The Rayz will begin the 2004-05 season in Austin on October 22nd, and host the Laredo Bucks in the first ever event at the all-new AmericanBank Center on November 5th and 7:05pm. The Rayz will host three preseason games, including one versus the Mexico National Hockey Team in the Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 16th. Preseason games begin on Thursday, October 14, 2004. Make your plans to be a part of all 30 Corpus Christi Rayz home dates this season. Group rates and corporate sponsorship packages are currently available. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK or log on to the Rayz website at www.ccrayz.com.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 13, 2004


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