Josh Bogorad, the Voice of the IceRays since 2003, has taken a job as the new Play-by-Play Broadcaster and Director of Media Relations for the Alaska Aces of the ECHL, IceRays General Manager, Pat Dunn announced on Tuesday. Bogorad will head to Anchorage immediately to begin the 2010-2011 season in October. The IceRays search for a new broadcaster for the upcoming season has already begun. The team begins play in their first season in the NAHL on September 15th. For more information, please call the IceRays office at 361.814.PUCK(7825) or visit them online at www.goicerays.com.
Bogorad, 30, departs from the IceRays as the longest-tenured broadcaster in franchise history. He has been behind the microphone for seven of the club’s 12 seasons, calling 455 regular season and playoff games. He arrived in Corpus Christi in the summer preceding the 2003-2004 season – the team’s final year at the Memorial Coliseum, and helped in the transition to the American Bank Center. Bogorad had been voted the CHL’s Best Broadcaster in each of the last three seasons. He was selected to broadcast the CHL All-Star Game in 2005, 2007, and 2010, and he won the CHL’s Communications Executive of the Year Award in 2007. Bogorad said that he was extremely excited about the move, but will greatly miss Corpus Christi.
“The opportunity in Alaska is an amazing one, and I can’t wait for the next chapter in my life,” Bogorad said. “But it is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye to all of the great friends and experiences I’ve enjoyed in Corpus Christi. I came here seven years ago for a job, but this became so much more than that. It became my home. I lived here year round. I met my fiancé here. I made life-long friends here. I will never forget how this community embraced me, and I can honestly say that these years have been some of the best in my life. Thank you to everyone who helped make this feel like home so quickly.”
In addition to broadcasting games, Bogorad also oversaw the IceRays media coverage, marketing, advertising, and acted as a team sales executive. He also was a visible part of the IceRays community efforts, making public appearances throughout the year.
“There are so many people here that have had a profound impact on my life and my career that it would be impossible to mention them all,” Bogorad added. “However, I would like to offer a special thanks and my sincere gratitude to Pat Dunn, Cassidy Lange, and Tim Lange. Pat was the person responsible for bringing me to Corpus Christi, and has made being a part of this team such a pleasure day in and day out. Cassidy was the first friend I made here, and along with Tim, not only saved hockey in Corpus Christi, but thought enough of me to retain me throughout all of the transitions. I can’t thank them enough. I also would like to say thank you to all of the fans for their support and kindness over the years. To everyone who has ever stopped me to say hello, waved as they passed the press box, the group in section 103, or anyone who simply tuned in to the broadcasts, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You are the reason that I get to do exactly what I’ve always wanted to for a living. Each and every one of you has made my time here that much more special. Because of you, I will always consider Corpus Christi and the IceRays a huge part of my life.”
Dunn said that he was excited for the opportunity that awaits Bogorad, and thankful for his loyal service to the team.
“It’s about time that some team found Josh,” Dunn said. “Josh is an extremely talented broadcaster. He started with us seven years ago and has shown his loyalty towards the IceRays and the IceRays community. We are extremely excited for him and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.”
Corpus Christi IceRays hockey returns for a brand new season in a brand new league in September. Don’t miss the action of IceRays hockey as they enter one of the top developmental leagues in the country. For more information on tickets, sponsorships, and scheduling, please call the IceRays at 361.814.PUCK(7825) or visit them online at www.goicerays.com.