Trio adds depth to Rayz roster

Published on September 20, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz bolstered their roster on Wednesday afternoon with three key signings, as they make final preparations for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz re-signed defenseman, Todd Paul, added fellow blue liner, Steve Pelletier (PELL-chay) and signed rookie forward, Connor Hughes. The trio of signings brings the Rayz training camp roster to 20 players. Corpus Christi will open their ninth professional hockey season at the American Bank Center on Saturday, October 21st at 7:05pm when they host the division rival, Laredo Bucks. Season and group tickets are currently available through the Rayz office. Individual tickets will go on sale on Monday, October 2nd at all Ticketmaster locations and the American Bank Center Box Office.

Paul, 22, headlines Wednesday's roster activity as the eighth and final returning member from last year's squad. The third-year defenseman appeared in 17 games for the Rayz last season after being acquired from the Tulsa Oilers in a trading deadline deal. Paul had a goal and two assists for the Rayz and finished the season with 24 points (5 goals, 19 assists) in 57 games. His totals made him the second highest scoring defenseman on the Rayz and he finished 14th among CHL Southern Conference defenseman in scoring.

The 5' 10", 185lbs. Aylmer, Quebec native began his pro career in 2004-2005 with the Knoxville Ice Bears of the Southern Professional Hockey League where he tallied 17 points in 17 games. Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae said that he was looking ahead to the 2006-2007 season when he made the trade for Paul last February.

"We brought him in last season with the intention of re-signing him this year," said McRae. "We'll look for him to play a slightly different role this season and be more of an offensive catalyst from our blue line. He's a good, puck moving defenseman, but we'll also need him to play solid defensively and be a special teams guy for us. I don't think circumstances last season allowed our fans to see Todd's full offensive abilities."

Paul joins goaltender, Brent Zelenewich, defenseman, Jay Hardwick and forwards, Jason Baird, Ryan Carter, Derrick McIver, Blair Stayzer and Tim Vitek as the returning players from last season.

Pelletier, 23, joins the Rayz as a free agent after spending his first two pro seasons with the Rockford Ice Hogs of the United Hockey League. Pelletier became one of Rockford's most dependable defensemen the last two seasons. At 5' 11", 190 lbs., Pelletier is a two-way defenseman who finished third on the Ice Hogs last season in points by a defenseman. Pelletier had 23 points (2 goals, 21 assists) in 76 games and was a +14, while adding 76 penalty minutes. As a rookie in 2004-2005, Pelletier appeared in 79 games where he had a goal and 17 assists.

Like Paul, Pelletier is another young defenseman from Quebec, hailing from St. Jerome. He will be making his CHL and Rayz debut this season, alongside his former teammate last year, goaltender Ron Vogel who backstopped the Ice Hogs. Prior to his joining Rockford, Pelletier played five seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"Pelletier came highly recommended to us from so many people," said McRae of his newest defenseman. "He's a solid defenseman. He blocks a lot of shots. And he makes life tough on opposing players. Last year Vogel loved playing behind him. I also believe he can be an addition offensively for us. His point total last season was without a single shift on the power play. He'll get some chances on special teams with us and hopefully turn into a premier two-way defenseman. He's a great addition to our hockey club on both sides of the ice."

Hughes, 22, is one of the most highly touted youngsters coming out of college this season. After a brilliant, four-year collegiate career at St. Norbert College, Hughes looks to make a splash onto the pro scene this season. Hughes made a name for himself in college where he helped lead St. Norbert to two National Championship games in his four years there. Last season, as a senior captain, the Fernie, British Columbia native tallied 22 goals and 22 assists in 32 games to lead the team in scoring. He was named as a First Team All-American by the American Hockey Coach's Association. Hughes is 5' 10" and weighs 185 lbs. but competes with a gritty style of play and adds a great special teams presence. Hughes led St. Norbert with 13 power play goals last season. He finished his college career with 60 goals and 137 points to place sixth all-time in St. Norbert scoring.

As a junior in college, Hughes played on a line with, and finished second in scoring to, Jason Deitsch. Last season Deitsch had a tremendous rookie season in the United Hockey League, leading all rookies in scoring with 38 goals and 87 points in 72 games. McRae says he sees similar potential in Hughes.

"Connor is a kid that I'm really excited about," said McRae. "He plays with an edge. He bangs hard in the corners. He can play all situations. He's got to get adapted to the pro game early, but we're excited for what we think he can do at this level."

In college, Hughes consistently provided timely scoring. This was most evident by his team-leading, six game-winning goals. The six-pack of game winners included an overtime goal in the National Semifinals which put St. Norbert in the Championship Game.

Added McRae, "Connor's known to be a big game player. He's the type of guy that will not only find the back of the net, but he'll do it at the most opportune time. In college, if his team needed a late goal, people would look to him. Someone who steps up at times like that is such a valuable addition to a team. We think Hughes has the potential to be that for us."

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 31 days away. Corpus Christi will begin their season at home on October 21st vs. the Laredo Bucks at 7:05pm. Season ticket packages and corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. For more information please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK or log on to www.ccrayz.com.

RAYZ 2006-2007 ROSTER

Jason Baird LW Geno Parrish D

Ryan Carter RW Todd Paul D

Ryan-James Hand D/F Steve Pelletier D

Jay Hardwick D Adam Powell LW

Connor Hughes RW Blair Stayzer LW

Steve Kovalchik D Matt Turek C

Jason Lepine D Tim Vitek C

Derrick McIver RW Ron Vogel G

Matt Meacham G Kevin Watters LW

Chris Mei D Brent Zelenewich G

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Central Hockey League Stories from September 20, 2006


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