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Rayz Get their Man

January 13, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas: January 13, 2004 – The Corpus Christi Rayz have named Malcolm Cameron as the team's new Head Coach, Rayz General Manager/Senior Vice President Pat Dunn announced Tuesday afternoon. Cameron will take his position immediately, and will make his debut behind the Rayz bench on Friday night when the Rayz host the Laredo Bucks.

Cameron, 34, comes to Corpus Christi from Columbus, Ohio where he served as Head Coach of the United Hockey League's Columbus Stars until the team suspended operations last week due to financial problems. He will take over for Dunn, who had been filling in as interim Head Coach since November 18th when Al Sims, who began the season as Head Coach, was released from his position. Since mid-November, the Rayz front office said they were looking for a coach who could lead the Rayz into the postseason this year. Owner Doug Frank believes they have found that coach in Cameron.

"Malcolm is the perfect guy for the job," said Frank. "He's a winner, a great recruiter and well respected by his players and piers. This is an exciting new beginning in Rayz hockey."

Cameron has found success frequently as a coach, guiding the Cincinnati Cyclones of the ECHL to a record of 36-29-7 and all the way to the Northern Conference Finals last year, in only his first season as Head Coach of the team. His success rolled over into Columbus this year, as prior to the Stars financial burdens taking over, Cameron had led his club to a 19-11-4 record, the best in Eastern Conference. The agreement between the Rayz and Cameron brings the new head coach here for the remainder of the season. At that time, both parties will re-evaluate the situation to discuss long term possibilities.

As a player, Cameron's career spanned five seasons and four leagues, giving him extensive knowledge of minor league hockey that helps in recruiting. In addition to being a Head Coach and player, Cameron has also acted as an Assistant Coach for the Lubbock Cotton Kings and Columbia Inferno.

With Cameron's arrival to Corpus Christi, there have been rumors that the new coach could potentially bring in some players he is familiar with to boost the Rayz talent level. There is no official word on any signings or new players, however the Rayz have made comments about changing player personnel, even prior to Cameron's signing.

The Rayz have struggled lately and were looking for a spark to turn things around. They believe that Cameron might be that spark. The Rayz are currently 13-19-3 and have 29 points after 35 games played. They are eight points behind the Austin Ice Bats for the final playoff spot in the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference.

Malcolm Cameron will be behind the bench for his first weekend of Corpus Christi Rayz hockey beginning this Friday night as the Rayz play the Laredo Bucks. The weekend series continues on Saturday night as the Rayz host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and then finishes on Monday night when the Rayz play the Lubbock Cotton Kings for the first time this season. All three games will start at 7:05 at the Memorial Coliseum. Tickets are still available, but going fast. Call (361)814-PUCK for more information. Be there this weekend to watch the beginning of a new era in Corpus Christi Rayz Hockey.

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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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