Reid-iculously good

Published on July 13, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Free agent goaltender Scott Reid was one of the most sought after free agents in all of minor professional hockey this off-season. Today he became the newest member of the Corpus Christi Rayz. Rayz General Manager Larry Linde announced Wednesday afternoon that the CHL franchise has reached an agreement with Reid on a contract for the upcoming 2005-2006 season. Terms of the agreement were not released.

Reid, 28, has spent the last three seasons with the San Angelo Saints where he developed into an All-Star net minder. In the 2003-2004 season he led the Saints to their first division title with an impressive 32-9-4 record, a 2.27 GAA and a .938 save percentage. For his efforts that season Reid was recognized as the Most Outstanding Goaltender in the CHL and was named the Southern Conference starting goaltender in the CHL All-Star Game. The Grande Prairie, Alberta native continued his outstanding play this past season (2004-2005), once again leading San Angelo to a post-season birth. His 31-18-4 record, 2.75 GAA and .913 save percentage earned him the Southern Conference start in the CHL All-Star Game for the second straight year. He finished second in the league in Most Outstanding Goaltender voting.

"Scott is the kind of goaltender who can go out and win games on his own," said Rayz Head Coach Ken McRae. "He can steal games for his team and he gives the other 17 guys the confidence that they can win every game. His numbers over the last two seasons are unbelievable and at just 28, he's still getting better. There's a reason that everyone was after him, and needless to say, it's a huge boost to our club that we got him."

"It was a humbling experience and it was also a learning experience," said Reid about being heavily recruited. "You have to pick a place and go there for the right reasons. With (Rayz owner) Mr. Frank and his people, Ken (McRae) and the office staff, Corpus Christi is a good place to go. Everyone I talked to respects the people in the Rayz organization and you can't complain about the city. From the fans to the ownership, it's a class act."

Reid has been a workhorse for San Angelo appearing in 56 of the Saints 60 games last year, and 47 the year before. He finished last season as the league leader in minutes played while placing second in wins and saves.

"He's big so he naturally covers a lot of area in net," said McRae of the 6'3", 195 lbs. Reid. "But he's also extremely quick and always in excellent position. He frustrates other teams because of how difficult he is to beat."

In the last two post-seasons Reid has been nothing short of remarkable. In 12 playoff games dating back to 2004, he has posted four shutouts including three last season vs. the Laredo Bucks. In both years, however, his team has come up short in the final and decisive game of the series. Both he and McRae think this year could be different. "Every year you want to come out the victor," said Reid. "Losing those games doesn't sit too well. Coming to Corpus might give me the chance to get over that hurdle."

"The way Scott played in the playoffs last year is a perfect indication of how good of a goaltender we're getting," said McRae. "In my opinion, he was the best goalie in the league the last two seasons and we're thrilled to have him here. He can take our team to the next level."

Reid's on ice attributes are evident wherever he plays. But what is sometimes lesser known is the work he does in the community during the season. While in San Angelo, the perennial All-Star helped create "Zone 33" which provided game tickets to local at-risk children. Reid, who wears jersey number 33, donated tickets that were located behind the net he protects. "Zone 33" members were young children in the West Texas Boys Ranch that were considered troubled. The youngsters were rewarded with tickets to games and meetings with Reid for good behavior and social progress. Reid tried to help teach the children how to improve the quality of their life.

With the off-season recruiting frenzy now behind him, Reid is now ready to turn his attention towards the upcoming season with the Rayz

"Now it's time to get focused on next year," he said. "We have a great chance to secure a playoff spot in Corpus Christi. That's my first goal. From there, who knows what can happen?"

Reid becomes the ninth player signed by the Rayz this off-season and the first goaltender Corpus Christi has under contract. He also becomes the third major impact player the Rayz have added to their roster in the last two weeks. Last week the Rayz announced the signings of free agent forwards Shawn Legault and Randy Murphy.

Linde said that with just over three months until opening night, fans in Coastal Bend have plenty of reason to look forward to next season.

"Scott Reid is another big name, big-time player coming to Corpus Christi, and a guy the fans are going to love both on and off the ice," he said. "I'm excited. The players we have are excited. And I know the fans are excited with the roster we're putting together. This team is being built to contend for a championship and nothing less."

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently preparing for their eighth consecutive season in the Coastal Bend. Last season Corpus Christi broke a franchise attendance record, welcoming more than 123,000 fans in their first season at the American Bank Center. The 2005-2006 season will begin in October and season tickets & sponsorship packages are currently available. Deposits start as low as $50 per seat. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from July 13, 2005


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