Mr. Roboto

Published on July 27, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz have agreed to terms on a contract with free agent forward Chris Robertson, Rayz General Manager/Senior Vice President Larry Linde announced Wednesday afternoon. Robertson made his professional debut last season with the San Angelo Saints where the rookie finished fourth on the team in total points. He becomes the seventh forward and tenth player under contract with the Rayz for the 2005-2006 season.

Just 21 years old, Robertson joined the professional ranks with San Angelo following three years with the Sudbury Wolves of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). With Sudbury, he compiled 17 goals and 38 assists (55 points) while adding 106 penalty minutes in 143 games. As a rookie last season, the Owen Sound, Ontario native adapted quickly to the professional game posting 17 goals and 15 assists for 32 points to go along with 61 penalty minutes on the year. He also added two goals and 21 penalty minutes in seven playoff games against the Laredo Bucks.

Robertson joins Scott Reid as former members of the now defunct San Angelo Saints who have joined the Rayz for the upcoming season. However, he made it clear that the primary reason he chose Corpus Christi was the direction of the team.

"It's always nice to have players you've played with before, and it's huge to have Scott Reid on the team," Robertson said. "But I signed (with the Rayz) because of the coach, the direction of the team and the players that were already here. We have the makings of a very good team and I wanted to be part of it."

Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae had kind words for his newest player.

"Last year Chris had an excellent rookie campaign," said McRae. "He's an all around player. He's proven he can score goals, he can chip in on the power play and penalty kill, plus he's a solid face-off guy, which is something we need. I expect him to be a big part of our hockey club next year."

The 6' 0", 190lbs. center, who works as a landscaper in his native Canada during the off-season, brings a tremendous work ethic and a mentality that coaches love on the ice.

"I'm a grinder. That's my style of play. I give it 110 percent every shift," said Robertson. "Last year I went to camp and I set a goal to make the team. I worked hard and made it happen. Then I set more goals from there. I have high expectations for myself and for the team this season."

Robertson joins Jason Baird, Ryan Carter, Shawn Legault, Derrick McIver, Randy Murphy and Blair Stayzer as forwards on the 2005-2006 Rayz squad. Bernie John and Chad McIver have been signed as defensemen, and Scott Reid is the lone goaltender under contract for the upcoming season.

In additional Rayz news, Corpus Christi announced the date and opponent of the first home game of the upcoming season. The Rayz will kick-off their second season in the American Bank Center on Saturday night, October 22nd when they host their division rivals the Austin Ice Bats. The contest will be a rematch of last year's wild season finale against Austin which featured 198 penalty minutes in a 6-2 Rayz victory. The complete Rayz 2005-2006 schedule will be released on Thursday afternoon.

The Rayz also announced that they will be appearing at the Grand Opening of Academy Sports on SPID in between Everhart and Staples on Saturday afternoon from 2:00-4:00pm. Rayz players Ryan Carter and Chad McIver along with former Rayz teammate Dave Gilmore will be on hand along with team mascot Stinger Ray. Fans are encouraged to join the Rayz for autographs, photographs and information on the 2005-2006 season beginning in October.

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently preparing for their eighth consecutive season in the Coastal Bend. Last season Corpus Christi broke a franchise attendance record, welcoming more than 123,000 fans in their first season at the American Bank Center. The 2005-2006 Rayz will return home on October 22 when they host division rivals, the Austin Ice Bats. Season tickets & sponsorship packages are currently available. Deposits start as low as $50 per seat. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

RAYZ 2005-2006 ROSTER

Jason Baird LW Ryan Carter RW

Derrick McIver LW Shawn Legault RW

Blair Stayzer LW Bernie John D

Randy Murphy C Chad McIver D

Chris Robertson C Scott Reid G

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 27, 2005


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