Veteran's day in Corpus Christi

Published on July 6, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz were looking to make a big splash with their final two veteran signings. On Wednesday, that splash hit the Gulf of Mexico when Rayz General Manager Larry Linde announced the signing of free agent, veteran forwards Shawn Legault and Randy Murphy. The signings give the Rayz eight players under contract, and their maximum allotted veteran spaces on their roster for the 2005-06 season.

Legault and Murphy both make their way to the Rayz via the New Mexico Scorpions where they were standout stars last season. Legault led the team in penalty minutes, while breaking out for a career high in goals assists and points, and Murphy paced New Mexico's team scoring in all three categories. This summer they became free agents when the Scorpions announced they were temporarily suspending operations for the upcoming season while the team's new arena is built. The newly added duo provides the Rayz with a lot of toughness and speed which were their main priorities in the off-season.

Legault, 28, is one of the most recognized enforcers in minor league hockey. The 6' 3", 215 lbs. right wing has been voted the Best Fighter in the CHL in each of the last two seasons in the league-wide Best of the Best poll. In his seven professional seasons, the Legal, Alberta native has averaged more than 335 penalty minutes a year and last year expanded his game, setting career marks with 23 goals, 23 assists and 46 points in New Mexico. His physical presence remained as he notched 300 penalty minutes. His size, toughness and scoring ability makes him one of the most versatile, sought after players in the league. Legault said he was looking forward to solidifying a strong reputation for the Rayz throughout the league next season.

"The biggest reason I play the game and the number one thing I do is to bring respect to the team I'm playing for," he said. "Next year I will turn the intimidation up a few notches. I want to play the role of enforcer. That's what I love to do."

Off the ice, Legault said that he had always had good experiences in Corpus Christi and respected the people there, making it easy to come to the Coastal Bend.

"Corpus Christi is a great city," Legault said. "We held training camp there last season and everyone I've ever met from the fans to the average people have been very friendly. I'm excited to get down there."

Murphy, 32, has spent ten year playing pro hockey and has scored at least a point per game in nine of those seasons. Last year, the veteran from Mississauga, Ontario led New Mexico in goals, assists and points (34-37-71). At just 5' 7", 165 lbs. Murphy is a small, speedy center who has the ability to find the back of the net with consistency. He is a former two-time 100 point scorer in the CHL and his outstanding career numbers total 783 points in 619 games. Murphy won a CHL Championship in 1998 and will be looked to for his offensive skill and leadership qualities.

"I know I'll be relied upon heavily," Murphy said. "Any time you're one of four vets, people look to you. Being one of those guys, it's my job to lead on and off the ice. I'm looking forward to doing that."

Murphy said that the people within the Rayz organization helped make his decision to come to Corpus Christi.

"I wanted to play for a team and coach that had a good reputation," he said. "I've heard so many great things about (Rayz Head Coach) Ken McRae and I have a lot of respect for Doug Frank."

Legault added that his relationship with Frank and respect for Mcrae were big factors in his signing.

"I like the way (Frank) operates as an owner," Legault said. "The people I've met through in the Rayz organization have been wonderful. I know Ken has had a lot of success as coach. He's a real hockey guy. He loves the game. They're the type of guys I want to play for."

The respect is mutual as Frank expressed his pleasure in welcoming the newest players to the Rayz.

"I think very highly of these guys on and off the ice," said Frank. "They come to play every night. Obviously, a guy like Legault has a well-deserved tough reputation that follows him anywhere he goes, but what people don't know is that there won't be a guy on our team that plays harder than Shawn. Murphy is the type of guy who will be a fine addition to our team through effort and example. These are two guys who I felt were critical members of the Scorpions last season and now I'm thrilled to have them with the Rayz."

McRae echoed those statements knowing that he landed two of the biggest free agents on the market for next season.

"When these two players became available, it was a no-brainer to try and get them," said McRae. "With these signings, we now have a terrific set of veterans. We've covered a bit of everything. We have two of the best power forwards and two of the top scorers in the league. We have the best enforcer in the league and incredible offense from our blue line. All of these guys can play extremely well and we expect them to even improve from here."

Legault and Murphy now join Bernie John and Jason Baird. Last season the four of them combined for 96 goals, 241 points and 562 penalty minutes. Between the foursome, they also earned an All-Star Game MVP, the CHL's Best of the Best Enforcer, the CHL's Best of the Best Offensive Defenseman and two respective team leading goal and point scorers. The Rayz now have eight players under contract with six returnees from last season added to Wednesday's signing announcement.

With fans excited about the new additions and fan-favorite returning players, Linde said the off-season has so far gone according to plan up.

"Something we needed to improve was our team toughness and we did that with authority today," said Linde. "We now have players who are quick, strong, skilled and very tough. Fans are going to be very entertained with the brand of hockey we put on the ice next season."

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 4,100 fans per game in their first season at the American Bank Center and ended the year with a winning record. The 2005-2006 season will begin in October. Season tickets and 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 6, 2005


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