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Corpus Christi Rayz add three more

September 27, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz added three new players on Wednesday, lifting their pre-season roster to 23 players, General Manager Larry Linde announced. The Rayz inked rookie forward, David Friel and defensemen, Tony Johnson and Travis George. Friel's addition gives Corpus Christi 11 forwards, and the pair of defenseman bring the number of blue liners to nine. Rayz training camp is only a week and a half away from its October 9th starting date. Corpus Christi will begin their regular season on Saturday, October 21st when they host the Laredo Bucks at the American Bank Center. Individual tickets will go on sale Monday at all Ticketmaster outlets and the American Bank Center Box Office.

Friel, 23, was a solid, four-year collegiate player at Plattsburgh University, who will make his rookie debut in Corpus Christi this year. At 6'0", 185 lbs., Friel is a speedy center who consistently found the back of the net in college. Nearly a point per game player throughout his collegiate career, Friel totaled 118 points (60 goals, 58 assists) in 122 games. Friel was one of Plattsubrgh's leaders, even as an underclassman. The Mississauga, Ontario native finished in the top six in team points in each of his four collegiate seasons. As a sophomore, Friel led the Cardinals in scoring, plotting 24 goals - including ten on the power play - and 12 assists for 36 points in 31 games.

Johnson, 26, is a third-year defenseman who has spent the past two seasons in the ECHL. Johnson made his professional debut in 2004 with the Pee-Dee Pride where he played in 64 games. Last season, the Woburn, MA native split time between two ECHL clubs. Johnson started the season with the Stockton Thunder, where he played alongside current Rayz Player/Assistant Coach, Geno Parrish for 24 games. Midway through the season, Johnson was moved to Idaho where he finished the year with a playoff run with the Idaho Steelhounds. The 6'0", 190 lbs. defensive defenseman has totaled 21 points (3 goals, 18 assists) and 68 penalty minutes in two seasons. Prior to turning pro, Johnson spent four season playing college hockey at Merrimack College in the NCAA.

George, 26, is a big, young defenseman who brings plenty of size to the Rayz back line. The 6'3", 195 lbs. George hails from Antikokan, Ontario and has spent the last four seasons, playing for the University of Calgary. As a freshman and sophomore, George played with former Rayz rookie sensation, Ken McKay. Despite his size and physical play, George has also shown the ability to provide offense in his collegiate career. In his first and third years, George average a point every other game from the blue line. In 141 games, George finished his career with 51 points (12 goals, 39 assists) and 165 penalty minutes.

Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae said that he's anxious to see what this trio of young players can bring to training camp.

"David's a skilled forward that we think will be able to put up good, offensive numbers for us," McRae said. "He had great career numbers at Plattsburgh University that speak for themselves." He added, "Tony and Travis add to a strong, solid defensive crew that we're putting together. We're going to have a very competitive camp on the back end this season. We have a lot of quality defenseman signed who will come in and compete for a spot on this roster. From what Tony and Travis have done in the past, I fully expect them to play into the mix of defenders that offer strength to our lineup. All three of these guys will have an opportunity to come into our training camp and solidify a place on our roster. We look forward to seeing them on the ice.

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 24 days away. Corpus Christi will begin their season at home on October 21st vs. the Laredo Bucks at 7:05pm. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK or log on to www.ccrayz.com.

RAYZ 2006-2007 ROSTER

Jason Baird LW

Ryan Carter RW

David Friel C

Travis George D

Ryan-James Hand D/F

Jay Hardwick D

Connor Hughes RW

Tony Johnson D

Steve Kovalchik D

Jason Lepine D

Derrick McIver RW

Matt Meacham G

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Todd Paul D

Steve Pelletier D

Adam Powell LW

Blair Stayzer LW

Matt Turek C

Tim Vitek C

Ron Vogel G

Kevin Watters LW

Brent Zelenewich G

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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