Maribel Castillo introduced as new Rayz GM

December 31, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz introduced Maribel Castillo as their new General Manager on Sunday afternoon. Castillo will not officially begin her tenure with the Rayz until Tuesday, however she has already begun to make headlines around the Coastal Bend and Central Hockey League. Castillo becomes both the first female and Hispanic General Manager in Rayz franchise history and also becomes the only female and second youngest GM in the 17-team league. Rayz Owner and President, Doug Frank worked with Castillo in New Mexico for the better part of five years and made the announcement official Sunday afternoon at the American Bank Center, just hours before the Rayz game vs. the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.

Despite her age, the 28-year old Castillo has already amassed a wide variety of sports management roles in her career. The New Mexico native began working with the CHL's New Mexico Scorpions in 2002, and maintained a role with the organization through this year. In March of 2006, she took a position as the Production Manager of the all-new Santa Ana Center - the new home of the Scorpions. Frank, who prior to this season sold the Scorpions, was at the helm of the New Mexico club at the time Castillo joined the franchise. In her four and half years there, Frank watched her succeed and advance into new roles. Castillo served in ticket sales, as a Box Office Manager, Corporate Business Manager, and most recently Assistant General Manager. This will be her first role as a General Manager, but given her track record Frank is confident he's found the right person for the job.

"Ms. Castillo joined the Scorpions while finishing her Masters Degree, and immediately had an impact on our organization there," he said. "Soon she began taking additional responsibilities in all areas from community relations, ticket sales, box office and business operations. Her experience opening the all- new Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho has only added to her experiences relevant to our team operations. She has the personality, drive, savvy and business sense to bring this team to where we want to be in the short future."

Castillo was born in Dexter, New Mexico and has strong ties to that area. In addition to the Scorpions and Santa Ana Center, Castillo also held a brief position with the AAA Baseball team, the Albuquerque Isotopes. She has received a Bachelor's Degree as well as a Master's Degree in Sports Administration from the University of New Mexico. Joining the Rayz and moving to South Texas will offer Castillo another challenge, but one she is confident she can handle.

"I'm excited for this opportunity and looking forward to bringing my experience to the Rayz organization as we prepare for our tenth season in Corpus Christi," Castillo said. "From everything I've seen and heard, the Rayz have the potential to once again become the talk of the town. It will by my goal and my privilege to get us there."

Castillo takes over the General Manager position vacated by Larry Linde earlier in the week. Linde will remain with the Rayz in an advisory role as a team consultant, but has accepted a job as the Executive Director of the Af2's new franchise the Corpus Christi Sharks.

The countdown to 2007 is on, and you can be a part of the biggest New Year's Eve Party in the Coastal Bend. It all takes place Sunday night, December 31st on the on "Tux and Pucks Night" at the American Bank Center, presented by AT&T. The Corpus Christi Rayz will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at a special start time of 8:05pm at the American Bank Center, and all fans in attendance at the game will receive free admission to a post-game New Year's Eve Party. The post-game party will feature public skating, party favors and a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront. Tickets start at just $10. Call ahead to inquire about $6 seats. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2006


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