'Rays Ink Bryer, Rutigliano, & Boutoussov to Tenders for 2014-15
January 3, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi IceRays have landed a trio of key tenders heading into next season by inking (D) Nick Rutigliano, (F) Nathan Bryer, and (F) Paul Boutoussov for the 2014-2015 campaign.
"It was a great honor to get the opportunity to tender with the IceRays," said Bryer. "I am very excited to play with the IceRays next year. When the coaching staff offered me the tender I took a lot of time to looking in the organization and talking to both Coach Becanic and Rick Ellison. It was an easy decision based on the resume of the coaching staff and how hard they push their players, also the great fan base the team has had a big role in my decision to be a part of the IceRays."
Bryer was named captain of Detroit Compuware U14 and Victory Honda U16 along with being named the assistant captain of Victory Honda U18. Last season, Bryer had a career high in points with 46pts in 35 games.
"Nathan is the leading scorer on a very good Victory Honda U18 team," said head coach John Becanic. "We expect him to add speed, skill and tenacity to our forward group. He will be with our team all of next week and will suit up next weekend vs. the Brahmas."
In addition, the IceRays signed forward Paul Boutoussov of the Anaheim Jr. Ducks in the NAPHL. He is fourth in the NAPHL in points with 27 and tied for second in the league with 15 goals. Boutoussov has gone to nationals several times and won states twice at the A and AA level. Last year in the CAHA, he led the league in both goals and points.
"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity and I could not believe even a few years ago that something like this would happen," said Boutoussov. "My coach Larry Barron played a big role in the decision and I can't thank him enough for what he has done for me these last few years. The fans can expect to see a fast and finesse yet chippy style of play when needed. I think I have a knack for the net and hopefully that continues throughout my junior career."
"Paul is a leading goal scorer in the NAPHL," added Becanic. "He finds a way to get to the scoring areas and finish. I look forward to watching him do the same next year wearing an IceRay jersey."
The third tender the IceRays signed is defenseman Nick Rutigliano of the Boston Advantage U18 squad. Rutigliano has 40 games played this year with four goals and 23 assists. He is eighth in the league for defensive points.
Becanic also spoke highly of Rutigliano. "Nick has already visited with several Division I schools and will be expected to have an impact immediately on our D corps. He is a physical presence every time he steps on the ice and IceRay fans will quickly learn to love his game."
"It's an unbelievable feeling to be able to sign a tender with the Corpus Christi IceRays. I couldn't be happier to play for coach Becanic next year," said Rutigliano. "I have heard and read a lot of good things about the organization and the coaching staff. What helped me most in making my decision was what coach Becanic said to me and my family about himself as a person and the way he runs the team. He made the decision process much easier for me and my family."
"I would say I am a solid defenseman that thinks defense first," Rutigliano finished. "I can contribute to the offensive rush and on the power-play. This year I have been focusing on being able to contribute to the offense a little more than past years to be a solid two-way defenseman."
This recent signing of tenders adds to the two already signed earlier in Ryan Cagnoni, F, Omaha AAA (18U) and Mason Krueger, F, Omaha AAA (18U).
In other roster moves, the IceRays have released Sami Pokka and Corey Sikich from the team. Forward Nick Felan has also been reassigned.
The IceRays are on the road this weekend as they take on the Amarillo Bulls tonight and Saturday night. Puck drops at 7:05PM, coverage begins at 6:50PM with the IceRays Pregame Show on 91.1FM KSGR, ksgr.org, ustream.com, and fasthockey.com. Click "Listen Live" on the IceRays website for more information!
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- 'Rays Ink Bryer, Rutigliano, & Boutoussov to Tenders for 2014-15 - Corpus Christi IceRays
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