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Rayz Acquire Former MVP Finalist Joe Blaznek

July 10, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz announced one of the biggest moves in the Central Hockey League off-season Tuesday morning, acquiring the rights to perennial All-Star, Joe Blaznek from the Wichita Thunder. In exchange, the Rayz dealt the rights to defensemen Tony Johnson, Jason Lepine and Todd Paul to the Thunder. Blaznek, who has spent the last four seasons in the CHL is regarded as one of the premier offensive players in the league. Since 2003-2004, Blaznek has totaled 131 goals and 154 assists for 285 points in 247 CHL games with the Thunder and Lubbock Cotton Kings. His acquisition immediately strengthens the Rayz offensive lineup.

Over the last four years, the 31 year-old Blaznek has developed into one of the more recognizable players in the league. The veteran forward gained league-wide popularity shortly after a mid-season trade in 2003-2004 that sent him from Lubbock to Wichita. While with the Thunder, Blaznek emerged as a star, posting back-to-back career highs in goals, assists and points in his first two seasons there. In 2005-2006, Blaznek had a career year, leading his team and finishing third in the CHL with 100 points (44 goals, 56 assists) in 64 games, and was a finalist for the league MVP award. That season, he also won the Northern Conference All-Star Game MVP Award for his two goals and one assist performance in the mid-season classic. Blaznek remains one of only six different players to register a triple-digit point total in a single CHL season since 2002.

Among his various weapons, Blaznek may be best known for his tremendous skating ability and powerful shot. In each of the last two years, the 6'2", 210lbs. forward has been named the hardest shooter in the "CHL Best of the Best Poll." Blaznek was also voted the best skater in 2006 and second best skater last season. Additionally, two years ago, he was named the best player on the power play and last year earned the title of third best penalty killer. Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae said he was excited about what his newest acquisition adds to Corpus Christi.

"Joe brings us a scoring punch that really could help us turn the corner this season," McRae said. "He's offensively gifted in so many ways. He's got the speed that today's type of game demands, a great shot and he can quarterback any power play. He's a proven scorer that will be looked upon to be a big producer. This is the kind of move that our team needed to make to push our offense to the next level. When Joe became an option, we made sure to pounce on the opportunity to bring him here."

Prior to his time in the CHL, Blaznek played in the AHL, IHL and ECHL, beginning his career in 1998 with the Long Beach Ice Dogs. Before turning pro, the Detroit, MI native, had a stellar, four-year, collegiate career at Lake Superior State, where he was teammates with former IceRays superstar, Tobin Praznik. Over his terrific, nine-year career, Blaznek has amassed a total of 240 goals, 257 assists and 497 points in 534 games.

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for their 10th Anniversary season beginning in October. The Rayz are proud to be celebrating a decade along the Gulf Coast and invite all of South Texas to join in the fun of the 2007-2008 campaign. Season tickets and corporate packages are currently available through the Rayz office. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

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