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Rayz Add Depth to Roster

August 7, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, TX: August 7, 2003 – The Corpus Christi Rayz have reached one-year agreements with forwards Shaun Fairweather and Joe Savioli, and defenseman Mike Zeibaq, Rayz Senior Vice President/General Manager Pat Dunn announced today.

Fairweather, 26, was one of the Rayz' more productive players last season in his first full year with the team. The 5'11", 185 lb. left wing had 32 points (11 goals, 21 assists) and 18 penalty minutes in 53 games for Corpus Christi last year. Fairweather is originally from London, Ontario and was a standout for three years at the University of Western Ontario before playing half a season in Germany. Fairweather is known for his tremendous puck control and tenacious style of playing.

"Shaun brings a lot of energy to the team," Rayz Head Coach Al Sims said. "He's the kind of player every team needs."

Savioli, 26, was a big prospect for the Rayz last year, but was forced to miss the majority of the season after tearing his ACL early on in a game against Lubbock. He appeared in only nine games last year, recording one assist and six penalty minutes. Savioli, originally from Milton, MA, came to Corpus Christi straight from Curry College where he averaged almost two points per game in his senior season. Due to his limited number of games played, this year will be Savioli's rookie season.

"Savioli showed a lot of ability in training camp and the first part of the season last year," Sims said. "He is a great skater and shows good offensive thinking. As a rookie, seeing a year (from off the ice) really helps too."

At 6'0", 195 lbs., Savioli can play more than one position. Sims plans on using Savioli's versatility throughout the year, playing Savioli at wing or on defense.

Zeibaq, 23, comes to Corpus Christi from the El Paso Buzzards due to their suspension of operations for the 2003-04 season. He is a "stay at home" defenseman who is known for his physical play on the ice. The 6'0", 205 lb. defenseman racked up 17 points (2 goals, 15 assists) and 158 penalty minutes last year in El Paso in his first season as a pro. Prior to that, the native of Hauppauge, NY spent four years at Bentley College.

"Zeibaq is a big, solid, tough defenseman who adds grit to our blue line," Sims said.

These acquisitions come just days after the announcement that the Rayz have re-signed fan favorite, Brad Wingfield, and last season's MVP, goaltender Brent Belecki.

The Corpus Christi Rayz drop the puck on the 2003-04 Central Hockey League season on October 16, when they host the New Mexico Scorpions. Season tickets and group packages are currently available. For more information, please contact the Rayz office at (361) 814-PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from August 7, 2003


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