Rayz Sign Two Youngsters to One-Year Deals

Published on September 4, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas: September 4, 2003 - The Corpus Christi Rayz have agreed to terms on one-year deals with forwards Jonathon St. Louis and Daniel Schildorfer, General Manager/Senior Vice President Pat Dunn announced today. St. Louis and Schildorfer are two young players that help balance the Rayz roster with both veterans and youngsters.

St. Louis, 23, is a 6'2", 210 lb. power forward who plays a fast-paced, physical brand of hockey. Rayz Head Coach Al Sims likes having this addition to his team. "He's got size, toughness and offensive skill," said Sims. "That's a great combination for any player to have." Sims is building a much bigger team this season than he did last year and St. Louis is the prototypical player he is looking for. "He fits into our mold this season. He's big and skilled.

St. Louis is originally from Repentigny, Que and is currently spending the summer in Montreal. While most of his time in hockey has been played North of the Border, he has spent the last two seasons in the U.S. playing hockey, including a season for the New Mexico Scorpions of the Central Hockey League in 2001-02, where he played under Pat Dunn. "Jonathon is a great kid," said Dunn. "He was a fan favorite in New Mexico." St. Louis is excited to be back under Dunn's tutelage in Corpus Christi. "I'm really happy to come to Corpus Christi," said St. Louis. "I know Pat and Coach (Sims) can help me (improve my game).

Two seasons ago, in New Mexico, St. Louis put up his best numbers as a pro, notching 19 goals, 36 points and 154 penalty minutes. He is hoping to surpass those numbers after a disappointing season last year was marred by different injuries. Last season, while in the ECHL playing for Florida and Richmond, St. Louis broke his finger in a fight, which sidelined him for a few weeks. After a brief return to the ice, a groin injury took him out for the majority of the year. He did return to finish the season in Richmond, however he was not playing at 100% by the season's end. This summer he has worked very hard and trained differently to ensure his durability and health for this season would not be a concern. "I feel great," he said.

Schildorfer, 21, is the second rookie (Savioli) that the Rayz have signed for the upcoming season. Last season, the 6'0", 190 lb. center/winger helped lead the Pittsburgh Forge Junior A team to the North American Hockey League Championship. Schildorfer is originally from Austria and prior to his time in Pittsburgh, he was a standout for the Austrian Junior National Team. Schildorfer is a talented forward who has a knack for stepping up his game in clutch situations. His skill and timely goal scoring ability should give the Rayz an added scoring punch this season.

The Corpus Christi Rayz drop the puck on the 2003-04 Central Hockey League season on October 16, when they host the New Mexico Scorpions. Season tickets and group packages are currently available. For more information, please contact the Rayz office at (361) 814-PUCK or check out the Rayz online at www.ccrayz.com.

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