CORPUS CHRSTI, Texas – A close brush with someone’s hand on the light switches nearly caused the Corpus Christi Rayz to go dark for the 2008-2009 CHL season.
In fact, the Rayz went dark but the IceRays returned to the ice for the new season. And while the season has seen a slow start the IceRays and the fans are pleased to be back. And no one is happier than Pat Dunn, the IceRays new general manager. Dunn is one of the best people to
Pat Dunn – Photo courtesy of IceRays.
The IceRays got off to a quick start with a 12-3 victory that bore witness to the lack of defense in the league this year. But that offensive onslaught was short-lived and the team lost five straight before landing in New Mexico on a long road trip.
“I felt really good during the off season about the team we had recruited,” Dunn said. “Felt really good after the pre-season game and first game of season….then…….didn’t feel really good.”
The road trip was an exceptional way to get the team together, build the team philosophy and take those lessons to the ice.
“I think we had to sit down and not panic, but really analyze our team and figure out in which area of our play that we struggled the most,” Dunn added.
Offenses have been out front this season in part, because of new rules against obstruction hooking. Referees have been calling strict obstruction and hooking penalties where any defensive player putting the stick on a player will be whistled.
“The first thing we had to adapt to was the new rules. We were constantly in the penalty box for some obstruction hooking,” Dunn said. “Our veterans showed some frustration with that rule. Once we fixed that we instantly became better, because 5 on 5 we can play with any team in the league.”
Tightening up the defense was also a priority for the club and Dunn added that his coaching staff evaluated the younger defensemen on the roster and began tinkering and fixing small issues. The result? A successful road trip through Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona.
“We just came out of a good road trip and hope to see our team get better as the year goes by,” Dunn added. “We just need to be disciplined and stay focused which means stay out of the box.”
Besides coming back to life for this season, the other big news for the IceRays was the addition of potent forward Chris Richards. “Richie”, an Ohio State alum, has been nothing short of outstanding this season. Through nine games Richards has picked up 15 points and 7 goals. Richards has also stayed out of the penalty box with only 6 PIMs.
Chris Richards – Photo courtesy of IceRays.
“Richie was a huge addition to our team, not only his offensive skills but his competitiveness. He is not the biggest guy out there nor the quickest, but he is very smart and competitive, which makes up for his size and speed,” Dunn said. “The desire to win was lacking here and I think Richie will bring that to the table.”
But Richie is only second on the team in scoring through those nine games. Justin Quenneville has notched 16 points on 5 goals and 10 assists.
“Quenneville and Richie as our top two centers is huge,” Dunn said. “One is as good as the other and having two quality centers makes it easier on them as a player, where the other team will have to defend against two lines compared to one line last season.
Quenneville was roughed up physically by opposing teams last season,” Dunn said of last year’s on ice efforts. “He (Quenneville) will have more
Justin Quenneville – Photo courtesy of IceRays.
The IceRays are in the tough Southeast Division with perennial powerhouse Laredo, a resurgent Rio Grande and tough Texas in North Richland Hills. For all of their difficulties last season Corpus Christi was in contention until the final weeks for a post season berth. The roster changes and addition of a second centerman will make the IceRays a presence throughout the season.
But the addition of Dunn to the front office makes the franchise complete and fgves them a hockey guy at the helm.
Contact the author at lou.lafrado@prohockeynews.com.
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