Mr. Smith Goes To Corpus Christi

Published on March 6, 2008 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz announced the signing of goaltender, Brad Smith on Thursday afternoon. Smith is a second year netminder who is expected join the Rayz for the remainder of the year. With injuries continuing to mount against the Rayz, goaltender Kevin Couture became the latest victim, suffering an injury in a first period collision on Sunday afternoon. Couture was placed on the goaltender injured reserve list with the signing of Smith. Smith will be in uniform for the first time this weekend when the Rayz host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Radiology & Imaging Night on Friday at 7:05pm and then welcome the Odessa Jackalopes at 8:05pm on Saturday for Texas Pride Night, presented by Andrew's Distributing. Tickets are on sale now. Call 814-PUCK for more information.

Smith, 24, joins the Rayz for his second stint in the Central Hockey League. Last year, as a rookie, the Rochester, MI native began the season appearing in 10 games for the New Mexico Scorpions. Overall in his two seasons, Smith has compiled a record of 9-21-4 with a 3.65 GAA and .886 save percentage with five teams. In addition to the Scorpions, the 5'11", 197 lbs. netminder has also played for four different teams in the current IHL (formerly the UHL). This season, he spent the majority of the season with the Kalamazoo Wings, playing in 15 games. On that same team, former Rayz netminder, Ron Vogel has played in four games.

Smith's ties to Corpus Christi netminders doesn't end there. Last season, he was teammates with current Rayz backstop, Jason Tapp with the Quad City Mallards. Smith played in nine games for the Mallards last season, while Tapp logged 62 games played. Prior to turning pro, Smith played junior hockey in the NAHL and USHL, before attending the University of Connecticut for two season of collegiate hockey

Couture, 22, has played in 11 games this season with a 0-5-1 record, a 4.96 and .874 save percentage. Couture was acquired late in the season last year, ironically following an injury to then netminder Brent Zelenewich and returned this season for his second year in Corpus Christi.

The Rayz continue their four-game homestand and their fight towards the postseason with home games Friday night at 7:05pm vs. the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs and Saturday Night at 8:05pm vs. the Odessa Jackalopes. Friday is Radiology & Imaging Night, while Saturday is Texas Pride Night, presented by Andrew's Distributing. Tickets are on sale for both games. For more info, call the Rayz at 361.814.PUCK. The Rayz are proud to be celebrating a decade of hockey in South Texas. Individual game tickets are currently available. Get your Rayz tickets today at www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet or the American Bank Center. Rayz group discounts are also available. For more information, please call the Rayz at 361.814.PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 6, 2008


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