Flyers coach Hitchcock arrives in Corpus Christi

Published on October 12, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas – Day two is in the books, and Corpus Christi Rayz Training Camp is in full stride. The Rayz had their second practice Tuesday morning, which was followed by an event showcasing the three featured coaches at training camp in Corpus Christi. In between the Rayz and New Mexico Scorpions practices, Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae, Scorpions Head Coach, Bill McDonald and special guest, Philadelphia Flyers Head Coach, Ken Hitchcock addressed the Corpus Christi media and fans at a Q&A session at the Memorial Coliseum.

A large turnout was on hand at the Igloo on Tuesday afternoon as the trio of coaches was available to the public for questions and autographs. Fans flocked out to see Hitchcock, the former coach of the Dallas Stars who pleased the crowd with fond comments of the Lone-Star State.

"It's great to be back here," said Hitchcock, who won the Stanley Cup with the Stars in 1999. "I consider Texas my home. My family is here. It's a great place."

Hitchcock fielded questions from the gallery relating to his career, his teaching philosophies, the NHL lockout and other topics for 20 minutes before breaking into an autograph session for those attending. McRae said that having Hitchcock at camp is extremely valuable for the coaches and players alike.

"Having an opportunity to bring in a guy like (Hitchcock) to camp has been wonderful," he said. "It helps us as coaches a lot - to learn from a guy like him. It's also a tremendous experience for our players."

Hitchcock took the ice for the first time in Corpus Christi during an afternoon session with the Scorpions. His first appearance on ice with McRae and the Rayz will come Wednesday morning at 9:00am. The practice is open to the public. Wednesday will also mark the final day before the exhibition schedule beings, as well as a youth hockey clinic assisted by Hitchcock beginning at 6:15pm at the Coliseum.

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 12, 2004


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