Rayz Round Up Rookies

Published on September 13, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz announced four new player signings on Thursday, bringing their total number of contracted players to 21. The Rayz signed defenseman J.R. Bria, forwards Sean Ellis and Brodie Rutherglen and D/F Jordy Johnson. Bria made his pro debut, appearing in 14 professional games last season in the ECHL, while all three defensemen will be making their pro debuts with Corps Christi. The Rayz will begin their 10th Anniversary season in five weeks and return to the American Bank Center on Saturday, October 20th to host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees at 7:05pm. Season tickets and corporate packages are currently available through the Rayz office. For more information, please call (361) 814-PUCK.

Bria, 24, joins the Rayz following a four year NCAA collegiate career. The 5'11", 216 lbs. Bria spent his freshman and sophomore seasons with Colgate University before finishing up his college tenure at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. In his four seasons, Bria combined for 11 goals, 23 assists, 34 points and 152 penalty minutes in 127 games. Following the conclusion of the NCAA season, Bria made his professional debut with the Fresno Falcons of the ECHL where the Monroe, CT native recorded one assist and 19 penalty minutes in 14 games. Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae said that he was excited about bringing in Bria.

"After coming out of a successful college career, Bria made the transition to the pro game last season, and should be ready for his first full year this season," McRae said. "He's solid defensively, and has the ability to put up some good numbers. I think J.R. can come in and be a real contributor. I expect him to pick up the slack for the loss of a guy like Jay Hardwick, and be a strong defensive player on this team."

Ellis joins the Rayz after four seasons with Amherst College. The 5'10", 185 lbs forward captained the Lord Jeffs his senior season. Ellis, who turns 24 on October 4th, had a terrific four-year campaign with Amherst finishing with 35 goals, 35 assists, 70 points and 168 PIM in 93 games. Ellis captained the club as a senior last season, finishing second on the team with 26 points. He was named a Second-Team All-Conference player in the NESCAC. The Springfield, MA native was also named a finalist for the 2007 Joe Concannon Award, presented annually to the top Division II/III American born college hockey player in Amherst's region. As a junior, Ellis led the team in goals and points with 10 and 24, respectively.

Rutherglen, 24, finished up a four-year, college career at Clarkson University last season before signing with the Rayz this summer. Rutherglen, a 5'8", 180 lbs. forwards from Trail, British Columbia, totaled 20 goals, 32 assists and 52 points in his 131 games at Clarkson. Rutherglen had some timely goals for Clarkson down the stretch of last season. As a senior, he was responsible for two game winning goals in the four post-season wins for Clarkson. Rutherglen will make his professional debut in training camp this season with the Rayz.

Johnson, 21, makes his way to South Texas for his pro debut following his second season of junior hockey with Selkirk Steelers of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The 5'11", 195 lbs. defenseman/forward played 53 games for Selkirk last year, notching six goals, 14 assists, 20 points and a team-high 293 PIM. Johnson's first season in Selkirk came in 2003-2004 when he chimed in with 363 PIM. Johnson, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba sandwiched parts of two seasons in the WHL with the Prince George Cougars and the Tri-City Americans between his Selkirk seasons. Johnson joins last year's Selkirk teammate Brent Howarth in Corpus Christi, who was signed by the Rayz earlier in the summer.

The Corpus Christi Rayz return to the American Bank Center for their 10th Anniversary on Saturday, October 20th at 7:05pm. 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

Jason Baird LW

Joe Blaznek F

Sean Ellis F

Adam Hogg C

Brent Howarth RW

Jon Jankus F

Jordy Johnson F/D

Nick Lindberg C

Adam Powell LW

Justin Quenneville C

Derek Smith F

Kevin Watters RW

Drew Baker D

J.R. Bria D

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Brodie Rutherglen D

Ryan Swanson D

Jay Chrapala G

Kevin Couture G

Jason Tapp G

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 13, 2007


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