Rayz Sign Three Rookies

August 30, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz got deeper and younger Thursday afternoon with the signing of three rookies. Forwards, Jon Jankus and Derek Smith and defenseman, Drew Baker have all been signed by the Rayz for the 2007-2008 season, Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae announced. The young trio brings the total number of Rayz players under contract to 13. Training camp open in just over five weeks, and the Rayz Tenth Anniversary season is set to begin in seven weeks. Corporate packages and season tickets are currently available. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

Jankus, 24, comes to Corpus Christi following a four-year stint at the University of Maine and part of last season with the Bloomington Prairie Thunder in the UHL. Jankus spent three and a half seasons with the Maine Black Bears where he totaled 68 points (25g, 43a) in 130 games. In the three complete seasons that Jankus spent with Maine, the Black Bears qualified for the National Championship tournament all three years, reaching the Finals in 2004 and the Semi-Finals in 2006. As a sophomore, Jankus finished fifth on the team in scoring with 24 points, outscoring teammate Dustin Penner, who went on to play in the National Hockey League, and won the Stanley Cup last year with the Anaheim Ducks.

The following year, the 5'10", 197 lbs. Jankus improved by a point and finished second on Maine's roster with 25 points. Jankus made his professional debut last season in Bloomington, however had his professional inauguration cut short due to injury. The Stoney Creek, Ontario native played through pain for 18 games, before being forced to miss the remainder of the season from injury. He finished with a pair of goals and six points. Jankus is now fully healthy and still considered a rookie for the upcoming season when he makes his Central Hockey League debut.

Smith, 24, joins Corpus Christi after four seasons of collegiate hockey at Lake Superior State. In his Lakers career, Smith tallied 17 goals and 31 assists for 48 points. He also displayed some grit, adding 150 penalty minutes over that span. Prior to his time at Lake Superior State, the 6'0", 210 lbs., Elmvale, Ontario native played for the Estevan Bruins of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. In 2002-2003 with the Bruins, Smith exploded offensively, leading the club in goals, assists and points. He finished the campaign with 34g, 40a, 74 pts and 144 penalty minutes. Smith plays a physical, two-way style of hockey and will make his professional debut with the Rayz this year.

Baker, 21, comes to Corpus Christi after a terrific season in the Central Junior A Hockey League. Baker split time between the Hawkesbury Hawks and the Pembroke Lumber Kings and had a terrific offensive season. Baker led all CJHL defensemen in scoring with 18 goals, 44 assists and 62 points in just 55 games. Baker finished 15th overall in league scoring and led all defensemen in goals, points, and power play goals (13). He also finished second in assists and third in penalty minutes (106). Baker, who stands 6'2" and weighs 185 lbs. was dynamite on the power play. 41 of his 62 points came on the man advantage. The youngster from Dawsonville, GA also will be making his pro debut this season under McRae who also is a former player for the Hawkesbury Hawks of the CJHL.

McRae said that Thursday's signings will provide his club with a lot of young talent and the possibility of big results.

"All three of these guys have tremendous potential, a great work ethic, and they're all excited to come to Corpus Christi and show off their ability," he said. "They should add a lot of depth to our roster this season. I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform in training camp as they transition into the pro game."

The Corpus Christi Rayz will begin their 10th Anniversary 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.

RAYZ 2007-2008 ROSTER

Joe Blaznek F

Adam Hogg C

Brent Howarth RW

Jon Jankus F

Nick Lindberg C

Adam Powell LW

Justin Quenneville C

Derek Smith F

Kevin Watters RW

Drew Baker D

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Ryan Swanson D



Central Hockey League Stories from August 30, 2007


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