Zelenewich highlights Rayz additions

September 13, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


With just under a month until Central Hockey League training camps open, the Corpus Christi Rayz completed their goaltending signings and added depth to their defense for the 2006-2007 season. On Wednesday afternoon, the Rayz announced the re-signing of goaltender Brent Zelenewich as well as second-year goaltender Matt Meacham and rookie defenseman, Jason Lepine. The additions bring the Rayz roster to 17 players. Corpus Christi will open their ninth season of hockey on Saturday, October 21st when they host the Laredo Bucks at the American Bank Center at 7:05pm.

Zelenewich, 27, signs with the Rayz for his third straight season in Corpus Christi. The 5' 11", 175 lbs. goaltender from Winnipeg, Manitoba has spent all three years of his pro career in the Central Hockey League. In 62 career games with the Rayz, Zelenewich has posted a 3.03 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. In three professional seasons, Zelenewich has never had a save percentage less than .910. Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae has coached Zelenewich since the netminder turned pro. McRae first signed Zelenewich as a rookie in 2003 while with the Indianapolis Ice. The two transitioned to South Texas in the summer of 2004 and have been with the Rayz ever since. McRae said that his time with Zelenewich has shown stability that he's always welcomed.

"Since he's been a pro, Zelenewich has done the job I've asked him to do," said McRae. "He's been a steady option for me and has added depth to our goaltending. Often times, he's been thrown into the fire because of injuries, call-up's or a heavy travel schedule, and he's always responded well."

Meacham, 23, joins Corpus Christi after turning pro last season upon finishing his collegiate career. The Massena, NY native spent his final two collegiate years any SUNY-Cortland. Last season, he split time as a rookie between the Jacksonville Barracudas of the Southern Professional Hockey League and the Elmira Jackals of the United Hockey League. In a combined 18 games, Meacham finished his pro debut season with a GAA just over 5.00 and an 88% save percentage. Meacham brings good size for a goaltender, standing 6' 1" and weighing 185 lbs. Meacham rounds out the Rayz training camp trio of goaltenders with Zelenewich and Ron Vogel.

"Matt Meacham is a young goaltender with decent size and a lot of upside," said McRae. "He'll have an opportunity to come into training camp and push our other two guys and try to play his way onto our team."

Lepine, 21, is a defenseman who looks to make his pro debut this season with the Rayz. Originally from Cornwall, Ontario, Lepine has spent the last three and a half seasons in his hometown, playing in the Central Junior Hockey League with the Cornwall Colts. The 5'11", 180lbs. Lepine finished tops in CJHL defensemen scoring and second in overall team scoring last season. The offensive minded blue liner had 25 goals and 66 points, plus 50 PIM in 55 games. Lepine was a perennial All-Star throughout his junior career in Cornwall.

McRae added about his youngest roster addition of the off-season, "Lepine is a hungry, young defenseman who we expect to come and work hard for us. He's shown a scoring touch at the junior level, and now he's being given a chance to make a name with us at the pro level. We hope to see his best."

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 38 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

Ryan Carter RW

Ryan-James Hand D/F

Jay Hardwick D

Steve Kovalchik D

Jason Lepine D

Derrick McIver RW

Matt Meacham G

Chris Mei D

Geno Parrish D

Adam Powell LW

Blair Stayzer LW

Matt Turek C

Tim Vitek C

Ron Vogel G

Kevin Watters LW

Brent Zelenewich G



Central Hockey League Stories from September 13, 2006


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.

OurSports Central