IceRays forward Cole Helm has been called up to the USHL. Helm ends his time in Corpus on a three-game point streak earning assists in his last three games.
The new Dubuque Fighting Saints player Helm shared his excitement saying “I’ve put a lot of hours towards my development here in Corpus and it’s always been the goal to play in the USHL. It’s a very rewarding feeling for me (to join Dubuque).”
Head coach Mike Lysyj had the following to say about the move up for Helm. “We’re excited for Helm to get this opportunity. He’s worked so hard all season to get to the point where his game is now, and I’m happy that he’s getting noticed by teams in the USHL.”
Besides his recent offensive prowess, Helm has been know for playing a hard nosed brand of hockey for the IceRays this season. He has been a crucial part of the penalty kill for the Rays this season as well as being a bruiser at other times this season.
“To be honest with you, Cole Helm kind of personifies everything that Texas hockey is at least in my eyes,” said Lysyj. “It’s gritty, hard nosed, fast, skilled, and it’s hard hitting, and Cole embodies all of that.”
The Texas native becomes the second IceRays player to be called up to a USHL team this season. He also becomes the third Texan to be on current USHL protected lists joining Tabor Heaslip on Sioux City and Evan Werner on Youngstown. Both players above and Helm have spent time with the Dallas Stars Elite AAA program.
“The youth program that (Helm) came out of there in Dallas is gaining some traction,” said IceRays head coach Mike Lysyj. “They have a lot of pros staying in Dallas and helping develop these kids. When the Stars moved to Dallas, I know that this was a goal, to grow the game in Texas and all the way down to South Texas with Corpus Christi. I think you see a direct product of that in Cole Helm showing the growth of the game here in Texas and Corpus Christi.”
Helm is scheduled to make his USHL debut this weekend as Dubuque and Des Moines are scheduled for a home and home two-game series. The home end of the Fighting Saints series starts a five-game home stand.