En Vogel

Published on August 16, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz filled their number one goaltending position today when they signed Ron Vogel, Rayz General Manager, Larry Linde announced. Vogel becomes the first goaltender under contract with the Rayz for the 2006-2007 campaign and comes to South Texas on the heels of an impressive season with the Rockford Ice Hogs of the United Hockey League. Vogel's addition increases the official number of Rayz players under contract for the coming season to seven. The Rayz will open their ninth season of professional hockey in Corpus Christi on Saturday, October 21st at 7:05pm when they host the rival Laredo Bucks at the American Bank Center.

Vogel, 27, is a six-year pro who has played in the ECHL, UHL as well as one season in England. He spent two of the past three seasons with the Ice Hogs while playing for the Basingstoke Bison in England during the 2004-05 season. Last year, Vogel compiled a 23-11-6 record with a 2.90 GAA and a save percentage of .897, helping lead Rockford to the Western Division Title. The 2006-2007 campaign will be his first complete season in the Central Hockey League. A proven winner, Vogel has posted excellent numbers since turning pro averaging a career 2.95 goals against average, and .909 save percentage over the six year span.

Vogel burst onto the professional scene during his rookie campaign (2000-01) with the New Orleans Brass of the ECHL when he led the league with a .933 save percentage. That same season, the London, Ontario native was recognized for his talent when he participated in training camp with the National Hockey League's Detroit Red Wings. In all but one of his professional seasons, Vogel has recorded a season save percentage higher than .900. Additionally, in four of five North American seasons, he has led his team to the playoffs. Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae said that he's banking on Vogel's past success to follow him to Corpus Christi.

"Ron has been a proven, top-notch goaltender since the beginning of his career," said McRae. He'll be given every opportunity to succeed here in the CHL, and if history is any indication, he'll definitely rise to the occasion. Everyone has good things to say about him. Ron wants to be in Corpus Christi -he brings talent, stability, and a great team presence which is everything we're looking for in our goaltender."

Vogel has also shown the ability to carry a large workload by himself if need be. Two seasons ago in Rockford, he played in 65 games - one more than the complete CHL regular season schedule. That season he received three different call-ups to the American Hockey League.

McRae added of the 5'9", 175 lbs. netminder, "For not being a very big guy, he still covers a lot of ground and can log a lot of ice time. He's a very good goaltender at the AA level and we'll be counting on him this season."

Closer to home, the Rayz also released exciting news about a local youngster with a bright hockey future ahead of him. 18-year old Zach Goller, who first learned to play ice hockey as an original member of Corpus Christi's youth hockey program, will be moving to El Paso on Thursday to join the El Paso Rhino of the Western States Junior Hockey League. Goller is a 5'11", 155 lbs. center who began rollerblading ten years ago and ice skating in 1998 when professional hockey first came to Corpus Christi. Goller graduated from King High School in May and will take classes at El Paso Community College while playing for the Rhinos. Prior to his departure, the Rayz provided the local youngster with some hockey equipment, advice and a ton of support that will help him with his new team.

"It's always exciting to see one of our own, homegrown hockey players receive this kind of opportunity," said Linde. Whenever someone from the Coastal Bend can take the game to the next level it's encouraging for everyone. It reinforces the positive roll that that the Corpus Christi Youth Hockey Association plays in this community." Linde added, "Zach Goller is a fine, young man who has the Rayz complete support - he's already made Corpus Christi extremely proud. We wish him the best."

Goller said he was thankful to have an opportunity that wouldn't have been possible a decade ago.

"I had no idea this would ever happen. I was a baseball & soccer player growing up," he said. "But then the Rayz came to town. We had season tickets and I was at every single game, and I'd be out there for the post-game skates. So, I started playing hockey and absolutely loved it. Now that's all I play. It's the greatest game there is."

"I would not be doing this if the Rayz had never come to town, "Goller added. "I was raised here in Corpus Christi. It's great that I have this opportunity now."

The Western States Hockey League is said to have placed more players in NCAA Division III hockey scholarships than any other league.

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 66 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

Derrick McIver RW

Geno Parrish D

Tim Vitek C

Ron Vogel G

Kevin Watters LW

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 16, 2006


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