Rayz ink three more, roster at 11 players

Published on August 30, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz added three more names to their 2006-2007 roster on Wednesday afternoon when they re-signed defenseman Jay Hardwick and signed a pair of heavyweight rookies in defenseman/forward Ryan-James Hand and forward Adam Powell. The busy day brings the Rayz roster total to 11 players. The Rayz will begin the 2006-2007 season on October 21st when they host the Laredo Bucks at the American Bank Center. Individual tickets go on sale at all Ticketmaster locations on Monday, October 2nd.

Hardwick, who turns 27 next week, returns to South Texas for his third straight season. In 2004, the Warroad, MN native made his pro debut with the Rayz and has remained in Corpus Christi since. Hardwick appeared in all but one game last season for the Rayz, while adding increased physical play to his arsenal. Hardwick also broke through, scoring his first professional goal last year. After tallying three assists in his rookie season, the defensively sound Hardwick, came back last year with two goals and eight points, and increased his penalty minutes from 27 to 45, while elevating his hitting. Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae said that Hardwick has proved himself in Corpus Christi since turning pro and has shown great improvement in each of his two seasons in the Gulf.

"Jay Hardwick gets better every year," said McRae. "He's a hungry, young, dedicated player who we can rely on game in and game out. He's solid on the penalty kill, and offers us a steady defensive presence on our blue line."

The 5' 10", 190 lbs. Hardwick has been one of the more durable Rayz players over the last two seasons, appearing in 114 of 124 games. Prior to coming to Corpus Christi, Hardwick stayed close to home playing four seasons of collegiate hockey at the University of Minnesota - Duluth. Prior to college, Hardwick spent two years in the USHL junior league. Along with signing Hardwick, the Rayz welcomed in toughness and grit in the form of Powell and Hand.

Powell, 23, is a mountain of a man who brings scoring capability to Corpus Christi. Powell stands 6' 2" and weighs 235 lbs. In his final year of junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League, Powell lit up the goal light and the opposing players notching 53 goals, 89 points and 263 penalty minutes in just 59 games for the Chilliwack Chiefs. He has spent the last two seasons with University of Alaska - Fairbanks playing collegiate hockey, where he totaled five goals and 58 penalty minutes in a season and a half.

Hand, 21, signed with Corpus Christi after playing junior hockey in Quebec for the past four seasons. With the Baie-Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, the 6' 1", 195 lbs. Hand was regarded as one of the top enforcers in the league. In 140 games, he totaled 534 penalty minutes. Hand will make his pro debut in training camp with the Rayz.

McRae said that he had heard good things about his newest youngsters, and expects them to showcase their toughness off the bat in training camp.

"Powell is a big truck with a scoring touch. We're hoping he can find what made him so successful in juniors here in Corpus Christi. Hand is a big, tough kid out of a league with a great reputation, where he made his own great reputation. Both have succeeded in juniors and are ready to take a shot at the pro level, and we're excited to see what they can bring to our club. We'll bring them in to play and expect them to prove they can add element of toughness and heart to our hockey team."

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 52 days away. Corpus Christi will begin their season at home on October 21st vs. the Laredo Bucks at 7:05pm. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK or log on to www.ccrayz.com.

RAYZ 2006-2007 ROSTER

Jason Baird LW

Ryan Carter RW

Ryan-James Hand D/F

Jay Hardwick D

Derrick McIver RW

Geno Parrish D

Adam Powell LW

Matt Turek C

Tim Vitek C

Ron Vogel G

Kevin Watters LW

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 30, 2006


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