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Rayz Get Defensive

September 20, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz announced the signings of four new defensemen on Thursday, bringing their total number of contracted players to 25 for training camp. Corpus Christi agreed to terms with A.J. Bozoian, Niko Tuomi, Matt Iannetta and Gregg Jonhannesen, giving the Rayz nine defensemen to go along with 13 forwards and three goaltenders. Training camp begins in just 18 days on Monday, October 8th. The Rayz will begin their 10th Anniversary season in five weeks and return to the American Bank Center on Saturday, October 20th to host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at 7:05pm. Season tickets and corporate packages are currently available through the Rayz office. For more information, please call (361) 814-PUCK.

Bozoian, 25, makes his way to Corpus Christi for his third professional season. The Brownstone, MI native has spent all but one game of his pro career in the former United Hockey League. Last season with the UHL's Fort Wayne Komets, Bozoian appeared in 50 games, recording three goals, 11 assists, 14 points and 30 penalty minutes. As a rookie, Bozoian played 48 games for the Komets, scoring three goals and five assists. Prior to arriving in Fort Wayne, the 5'11", 190lbs. blue liner played in seven games for the Motor City Mechanics and one game in the Southern Professional Hockey League for the Jacksonville Barracudas. Prior to turning pro, Bozoian played collegiate hockey at Wayne State University and Niagara University. A.J.'s older brother Mike played professionally for two seasons, including a brief stint under Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae. Mike Bozoian appeared in four games for McRae's Indianapolis Ice at the start of the 2003-2004 CHL season.

Tuomi, 24, joins the Rayz roster for his sophomore season after an eventful rookie campaign in the ECHL. Tuomi appeared in 55 games last season with the Florida Everblades, Pensacola Pilots and Charlotte Checkers. Tuomi scored a combined three goals, 16 assists and 19 points last year and added 35 penalty minutes. Before turning pro, the 6'1", 205lbs. Echo Bay, Ontario native played two strong seasons of college hockey for St. Francis Xavier University and several seasons of junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League with the Guelph Storm and Sault St. Marie Greyhounds. His most productive offensive season came in his final year of junior hockey in 2004-2005 when he chimed in with six goals and 27 points for the Storm in just 46 games played.

Iannetta, 25, remains classified as a rookie defenseman who comes to the Rayz after appearing in 17 professional games in Italy last season. Originally from Woodbridge, Ontario, Iannetta played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Waterloo. In 73 career college games, Iannetta tallied six goals, 21 assists, 27 points and 145 penalty minutes. Last season, the 6'1", 175 lbs. blue liner had one goal, one assist and 18 PIM for Asiago HC.

Johannesen, 23, played four seasons of collegiate hockey for the Utica Pioneers. In four seasons, Johannesen played in 101 games, scoring three goals, 17 assists and 20 points. Johannesen brings a lot of size and physical play, standing 6'3" and weighing 225 lbs. The Kalamazoo, MI native will make his pro debut in training camp with the Rayz this season. McRae said he was anxious to see his roster - which now stands at 25 players - take shape in training camp.

"This off-season we had to replenish our blue line," said McRae. "Guys like Tuomi and Bozoian bring speed and puck moving ability and Iannetta and Johannesen both bring solid reputations as defensive defensemen and are good character guys. We now have nine solid defensemen ready to come to camp and show off what they can bring to this hockey club. We're going to have a bunch of young and hungry guys fighting for a spot on this blue line and I'm excited to see what they have to offer when training camp starts in a couple of weeks."

After training camp, the Rayz must cut down their roster size to meet league standards. This year the CHL allows a maximum of 19 active players on a team's roster by the start of the regular season in October 19th, one more than last season's limit of 18.

The Corpus Christi Rayz return to the American Bank Center for their 10th Anniversary on Saturday, October 20th at 7:05pm. 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.

RAYZ 2007-2008 ROSTER

Jason Baird LW

Joe Blaznek F

Sean Ellis F

Brodie Rutherglen F

Adam Hogg C

Brent Howarth RW

Jon Jankus F

Jordy Johnson F/D

Nick Lindberg C

Adam Powell LW

Justin Quenneville C

Derek Smith F

Kevin Watters RW

Drew Baker D

A.J. Bozoian D

J.R. Bria D

Gregg Johannesen D

Mark Iannetta D

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Ryan Swanson D

Niko Tuomi D

Jay Chrapala G

Kevin Couture G

Jason Tapp G



Central Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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