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Rayz re-sign fan favorite, add young defenseman

September 6, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz brought back a familiar face and added a pair of new ones to their 2006-2007 roster on Wednesday afternoon. General Manager, Larry Linde announced the return of fan favorite, Blair Stayzer as well as the signing of second-year defenseman, Chris Mei [MAY] and rookie defenseman, Steve Kovalchik [CA-vol-check]. With just over six weeks remaining until opening night, the Rayz now have 14 signed players for the upcoming season. The Rayz will kick off the 2006-2007 campaign on Saturday night, October 21st when they host the Laredo Bucks at the American Bank Center at 7:05pm. Season tickets and group packages are currently available. Individual tickets go on sale on Monday, October 2nd at the American Bank Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations.

Stayzer, 25, will join the Rayz for his third consecutive season in Corpus Christi. Stayzer has brought size, skill, experience and leadership to the Rayz for the past two years, however has seen his playing time cut short both seasons due to injury. Stayzer missed the first half of the 2004-2005 season while recovering from a shoulder injury. He made his Corpus Christi debut midway through the year and appeared in 37 games. Last season the inverse occurred. Stayzer got off to a great start until a freak injury prematurely ended his year in early December. Just 16 games into the season, Stayzer took a skate to the forearm in the third period of a contest with the Austin Ice Bats. Stayzer underwent surgery and was placed on the long-term injured reserved list and never returned. Nearly a year later, the former seventh round selection of the Calgary Flames in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft has made a full recovery is ready for his third season with the Rayz.

The 6' 3", 220 lbs. Stayzer has gained enormous popularity with Rayz fans since his arrival in town. Regarded for his physical, passionate style of play, Stayzer has made an impact at both ends of the ice playing forward as well as defense in his time in Corpus Christi. In 53 total games for the Rayz, Stayzer has eight goals, 16 points and 131 penalty minutes. Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae said he's seen great stints out of Stayzer and is excited to see what he can do in a full season.

"I know what Blair brings to the team," said McRae. "He's a great leader who plays a physical game and he's a strong voice inside the locker room. At the end of 2004-2005 and the beginning of last season, he was playing great hockey for us. Unfortunately, he suffered a freak injury last year. If he can pick up where he left off, he'll be a tremendous asset to our team." McRae added, "I know he's done everything possible over the past nine months to get ready for this season, and we're ready to see that work pay off. I expect him to be back to 100% and bring some toughness and physical, banging play to our roster."

As McRae noted, Stayzer was playing terrific hockey before he went down. Dating back to the 2004-2005 season, the Welland, Ontario native has six goals, 13 points and 46 penalty minutes in his last 20 games.

Corpus Christi also announced the addition of a pair of young defensemen. 27-year old Chris Mei and 24-year old rookie, Steve Kovalchik were both signed by the Rayz, bringing the total number of defenseman to four. Mei spent his rookie season last year with the Adirondack Frostbite of the United Hockey League. The Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native was one of Adirondack's top defensive defenseman last season. Mei, who stands 6' 2" and weighs 210 lbs., had seven points (1G, 6A) and 77 penalty minutes, while posting a +6 in 72 games with the Frostbite. In Adirondack he played alongside, Kevin Watters, who was signed as a free agent by the Rayz earlier in the summer. Prior to turning pro, Mei played collegiate hockey in Canada for Dalhousie University.

Kovalchik comes to Corpus Christi after four seasons of NCAA Division-I hockey at Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. Kovalchik was a steady part of the Warriors roster for all four seasons, missing only five games throughout his college career. As a defensive defenseman, Kovalchik remained a scoring threat as well, notching 67 points (10G, 57A) in 141 games. As a freshman, Kovalchik helped Wayne State to the College Hockey America Championship. The 5' 10", 185 lbs. blue liner only improved his game after that. By the time he had completed his career at Wayne State, the Riverview, MI native had etched his mark in Warriors history. Kovalchik finished tied for first in career games played and second for assists and points by a defenseman. Last season as a senior, Kovalchik was named team MVP and best defensive player while being named to the All-CHA second team. At the end of last year, Kovalchik appeared in one game for the Florida Everblades of the ECHL.

"In Mei and Kovalchik, we've added quality depth to our defensive core," said McRae. "Defense is something we want to improve greatly on this season and we feel like these two kids can help us do that. They've both shown the ability to succeed in the past and hope they can continue that for us in Corpus Christi."

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 45 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

Steve Kovalchik D

Derrick McIver RW

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Adam Powell LW

Blair Stayzer LW

Matt Turek C

Tim Vitek C

Ron Vogel G

Kevin Watters LW

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