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Wild about the Rayz

August 28, 2003 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas: August 28 2003 - After weeks of anticipation, the Corpus Christi Rayz have officially announced their affiliation with the Minnesota Wild of the National Hockey League, General Manager/Senior Vice President Pat Dunn reported. today. The Rayz will be the Central Hockey League affiliate for the Wild and the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. "This is something we've worked hard for all summer long," said Dunn. "We're thrilled to make it official.

The affiliation is a compliment to Corpus Christi's commitment to hockey, as the Wild were one of the biggest success stories in the NHL last year. "This is a historic day for Corpus Christi hockey," said Doug Frank, President of the Rayz and WD Sports. "This relationship represents our goal of minor league developmental hockey. We are convinced that being part of the system brings better hockey to our fans, and that we are serving an important role in getting the best talent developed ultimately for the NHL."

WD Sports, not coincidentally, is a dealer for Mission Hockey, which has common ownership with the Minnesota Wild. Last year, WD Sports' New Mexico Scorpions saw many players switch to include Mission products. Additionally, the Scorpions, Rayz and the WD Sports location in Port Aransas, TX use portable rinks manufactured by Athletica Border Patrol, a partner of the Minnesota Wild.

The Wild bring with their organization a strong core of youth and success, two qualities the Rayz are passionate about. In the third year of the franchise's history, the Wild made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2003 and ousted the Colorado Avalanche, who many believed to be the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Their impressive Stanley Cup Playoff run solidified their place on the hockey map for years to come, and showed their capability of building a contending team.

"The emphasis will be on what we can offer [the Wild and Aeros] in terms of training, development and players with upward mobility," said Frank. "If a player within the system is called up, it is our job to get him there quickly. When that player is here in Corpus, it is our responsibility to see that he gets ice time and grows as a player."

The Minnesota Wild's strong work in the community and commitment to success on and off the ice make them the ideal NHL affiliate for the Rayz. Frank, who took control of the franchise in December, believes strongly in community development and believes that the Rayz can add to the already flourishing partnership between Mission Hockey, the Wild and the Aeros. Frank believes that the Naegele family, who are the Wild's majority owners have set a high standard in this regard. "The Naegeles and the Wild organization set the bar for professional sports owners and franchises," said Frank. The Naegele family's success in restoring hockey in Minnesota is a testament to the dedication they have to the sport and the quality of the operation that they run.

"This is a great thrill for us," said Head Coach of the Rayz, Al Sims. "I have a lot of respect for Doug Risebrough (Wild President and General Manager) and Tom Lynn (Wild Assistant General Manger, Hockey Operations)." As Sims attests, a good working relationship with the Houston Aeros will be equally as valuable to the Rayz franchise. "I'm looking forward to working with Matt Shaw (Aeros General Manager) very closely this season," said Sims. Last year, the Aeros won the Calder Cup playoff championship in their second season in the AHL.

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.



Central Hockey League Stories from August 28, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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