IceRays' Success Extends Beyond the Ice
Published on January 25, 2011 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release
The IceRays are averaging over 2,900 fans a game, second most in the NAHL behind Wenatchee.
Back in June, there were some unknowns surrounding the Corpus Christi IceRays transition to the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
However, 40 games and seven months later, the community has embraced the IceRays and their season - and future - look as bright as ever.
"To tell you the truth, it's been a dream come true and a very positive move for our team," said IceRays general manager and governor Pat Dunn. "The community has responded and we're not only excited about the rest of this year, but many years to come."
One the ice, the IceRays have had their highs and lows, but through it all remain just four points out of the fourth and final playoff spot with 18 games to go in the South Division.
Some recent player moves have the IceRays geared up for the stretch run in which they play 10 of their final 18 games at home.
"It's been a grind and a learning experience, but we're not out of it yet," said Dunn. "When our guys are playing well, we can play with anybody. We've seen what it takes to compete with the likes of Topeka, Texas and Amarillo. Now, it's just a matter of going out and doing it when it counts."
Off the ice, the 'Rays are seeing the benefit of a huge community response to the team. Players are out in the community almost on a daily basis and the face-to-face interaction has created a devoted following.
The IceRays are second in league attendance at just under 3,000 fans per game, but Dunn believes that number is going to go up judging by the second-half numbers.
"We still have some important home games left, including our 'Pink in the Rink,' which traditionally has a very large crowd and brings in over $50,000 for the American Cancer Society. We also have our 'Pack the House' Night during our final home game of the season, so there are some great opportunities there to keep reaching out to the community and showing them what we're all about."
So what's more important for the first-year IceRays: Winning or providing fans with a quality entertainment product
"The hockey guy in me says winning, but fans just want to come out and have a good time," said Dunn. "An entertaining product is so important and everything we've done so far this season tells us that our fans are having a great time and, more importantly, once they see a game they're going to come back.
"I think that's been the biggest positive for us is the response after fans have seen a game. Even if it's been a loss, people are responding to us - and the local media - that they've been very pleased with their experience. The bigger the crowds, the better the atmosphere and the more fun our fans will have."
Looking into the future, the IceRays are excited. The team is competing for a playoff spot, they're challenging for the top attendance average in the NAHL and their biggest home games may be yet to come.
"Because of what had been here previously, we've already been through our honeymoon period, so to see the type of response we've had in just a couple of months makes us believe that not only is the team going to be sustainable now, but well into the future and that makes us very optimistic for the short-and long-term future of the Corpus Christi IceRays."
North American Hockey League Stories from January 25, 2011
- NAHL Announces Top Prospects Tournament Rosters - NAHL
- 4 Jets Named to Top Prospects Tournament - Janesville Jets
- Tony Curtale Show Debuts on Tuesday, February 1st - Texas Tornado
- Lake Erie Homecoming: Stars' Shields to Mercyhurst - Traverse City North Stars
- IceRays' Success Extends Beyond the Ice - Corpus Christi IceRays
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.
