Rayz Ink Blaznek, Two Rookies

Published on August 14, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz added three more names to their roster on Tuesday afternoon, signing forwards Joe Blaznek and Adam Hogg and defenseman Ryan Swanson each for the 2007-2008 season, Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae announced. Blaznek was acquired earlier in the off-season in a four-player trade with the Wichita Thunder and will now officially make his Rayz debut this October. Hogg and Swanson are both rookies who will join the Rayz for their professional debuts. The Rayz are proud to be celebrating a decade along the coast with their 10th Anniversary season this year. Make sure you're a part of all the fun and excitement. Season ticket packages and corporate partnerships are currently available. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

On July 10th, the Rayz acquired the rights to Blaznek in a deal that sent 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. McRae said that at the time of the trade that he had full intention of signing and bringing Blaznek to Corpus Christi. Tuesday's announcement makes Blaznek's arrival official.

"We knew the type of player we were trading for in Joe, and we're very excited to have him signed for this season," said McRae. "Having signed him and (last year's Rayz MVP) Justin Quenneville, I feel like we have two top-tier players in the CHL, and we've got more big announcements to come shortly."

Blaznek and Quenneville could end up on the same line this season, providing one of the more offensively potent combinations in the league. Over the last four years, Blaznek has developed into one of the more recognizable players in the CHL. The Detroit, MI native 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 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.

The 31-year old Blaznek becomes the second of four allotted veterans signed by the Rayz this season, joining defenseman Geno Parrish. Among his many 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 also won the best skater award 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.

Hogg, 24, makes his return to hockey following a four-year collegiate career at St. Lawrence University and one-year absence from playing last season. From 2002-2006, the Conestoga, Ontario native appeared in 145 games for the Skating Saints. He totaled 18 goals and 38 points for St. Lawrence. In his senior year, he captained the squad to their first winning record in five seasons. While at St. Lawrence, the 5'10", 185 lbs. Hogg was a college teammate of Simon Watson, who made a huge splash in the CHL last season as a rookie with the currently suspended, Lubbock Cotton Kings. Watson, who posted similar numbers to Hogg in college, exploded at the pro level, tallying 24 goals and 25 points, and being named a starter to the Southern Conference All-Star team.

"After taking a year away from playing, Adam is training hard for the upcoming season to come back and try his skill at the pro level," said McRae. "He's an all around, gritty forward with good speed who can perform in all situations. All the contacts I've spoken with about Adam have had nothing but high praise for him."

Swanson, 23, is a big defensemen who joins the Rayz after a four-year collegiate career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Standing 6'3", and weighing 215 lbs., Swanson is an effective, defensive blue liner with a history of a strong physical presence. Originally from Woodbury, MN, Swanson appeared in 82 games for RPI. He finished his time there with one goal, ten points and 88 penalty minutes.

"Ryan is a big kid that we're bringing in to add toughness to our hockey team," said McRae. "He's a stay at home defenseman that continually punishes the opposition each time he's out there. Ryan hits hard and we need him to be very physical here. He's a kid who knows that his physical play can earn him a spot on this team, and we're looking forward to seeing what he brings to training camp."

The Corpus Christi Rayz will begin their 10th Anniversary season on October 19th and return to the American Bank Center for their home opener on Saturday, October 20th at 7:05pm vs. Rio Grande Valley. 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

Joe Blaznek F

Adam Hogg C

Brent Howarth RW

Adam Powell LW

Justin Quenneville C

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Ryan Swanson D

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