Rayz Re-Sign MVP Finalist Quenneville, Add Howarth

Published on August 8, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz have re-signed All-Star center Justin Quenneville and signed rookie forward Brent Howarth for the 2007-2008 season, Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae announced on Wednesday. Quenneville, who was a late addition to last year's roster, paced the Rayz offense all season long last year, leading the Rayz in goals assists and points. Quenneville's Rayz and Central Hockey League debut provided tremendous results, as he was named a CHL MVP Finalist and starting center on the Southern Conference All-Star Team. The Rayz now have five players under contract for their 10th Anniversary 2007-2008 season, beginning in October. Ticket packages and corporate sponsorships are currently available. For more information please call the Rayz at 361.814.PUCK.

Quenneville, 25, turned into one of the top newcomers to the CHL last season. In just his third season, Quenneville set career highs with 31 goals, 43 assists and 74 points and was the fifth highest scorer in the Southern Conference. He got off to a quick start immediately after joining the Rayz, tallying points in 16 of his first 18 games and continuing at better than a point per game throughout the season and helped guide the Rayz to their first playoff appearance in six years. In the playoffs, Quenneville tallied four goals and seven points, finishing the post-season on a four-game goal scoring streak. McRae said that Quenneville's return brings back an elite player to Corpus Christi.

"We're more than happy to have Justin back after an MVP caliber season last year," McRae said. "He's coming back to be our offensive leader and a leader on special teams. Last year was a breakthrough season for him, but I'm still looking for him to even improve on that, and I know he's working hard this summer for the same thing."

Leading the team's offense would be nothing new for Quenneville, who last season was named the Rayz team MVP. In addition to his various other distinctions, the Montreal, Quebec native was the only player in the CHL to lead his team in both points and penalty minutes. He had a career-high 143 PIM last season. He was also very strong on the power play, scoring 12 man-advantage goals, tied for seventh in that category among Southern Conference players. Quenneville said that he was excited to return to the team he posted career highs for last season.

"I really enjoyed last season," Quenneville said. "I like being in Corpus Christi and being part of the Rayz. I feel like we have a quality organization that will be able do something special next year. I wanted to be a part of that and am excited to come back."

Quenneville played for the Phoenix Roadrunners and Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL in 2005-2006 prior to joining the Rayz. He finished that season with a combined 12 goals and 30 points in 47 games. A year earlier, in his rookie season, the 5'11", 180 lbs. forward appeared in two games for the Richmond Riverdogs, before playing 57 for the Missouri River Otters. With 17 goals and 36 points, Quenneville helped lead the River Otters to the post-season. In the playoffs, he continued his strong play, scoring four goals in six games. Quenneville said he has all intentions to duplicate his strong numbers from last season.

"I was fortunate to stay healthy and had great support from the guys last year and was able to put up some decent numbers," he said. "I'm looking forward to building on last season and doing even better this year. My goal is to do whatever I can do to help this team win."

Before turning pro, Quenneville played four seasons of NCAA hockey at St. Michael's College. In 99 collegiate games, he posted solid numbers with 59 goals, 70 assists, 129 points and 128 penalty minutes. Quenneville becomes the fourth retuning player from last season, joining defensemen Geno Parrish and Chris Mei and forward Adam Powell.

"We had a great team on the ice last year, but even a better group in the locker room," Quenneville said. "Guys like Geno, Mei and Powell coming back will be instrumental to our success. You can already see what type of team they're trying to bring in, and things look good. I'm anxious for October and have high expectations for this year."

Howarth, who becomes the first newcomer to the Rayz roster, will make his professional debut this season for Corpus Christi. The 20-year old forward exploded onto the scoreboard last season in his final year of junior hockey. The St. Andrews, Manitoba native put up a remarkable 49 goals and 82 assists for 131 points in just 59 games last season for the Selkirk Steelers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. His 131 points were second overall in the league, trailing only his twin brother Kyle who had 141. Howarth, who stands 6'1" and weighs 195 lbs. also displayed his physical nature, adding to his point total with 177 penalty minutes.

"Brent is an all-around player who can be gritty and aggressive, but also be a big producer," said McRae. "We'll expect to see some big offense and a physical game from him. We had some key offensive guys retire after last season, so we'll need some young forwards to come in and step up for us. After the type of season he had last year, I think Brent can be the type of guy to transition into that role at the pro level."

Howarth proved that he could find the back of the net with consistency last season, but he also showcased the ability to provide timely goals as well. Howarth finished last season with 20 power play goals and finished second in the league in both game winning goals (8) and shorthanded goals (7). In 12 playoff games, Howarth accounted for half of the team's game winning goals en route to the AVANET Cup Championship. Howarth was named the MJHL Player of the Month in back to back months during December and January. Prior to his only season in the MJHL, Howarth spent three seasons playing major junior hockey in the WHL as a member of the Kelowna Rockets.

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for their 10th Anniversary season beginning in October. 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.

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Central Hockey League Stories from August 8, 2007


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