Corpus Christi, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays are thrilled to announce the arrival of their highly anticipated 2023 Draft Class. With five talented players joining the team, excitement is building as the IceRays gear up for the upcoming season in the NAHL.
Led by GM/Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier, the IceRays carefully selected five promising players who will undoubtedly bring a new level of skill and excitement to the team. With their diverse backgrounds and impressive abilities, Billy Biedermann, Vilgot Holm, Pierson Sobush, Michael Valdez, and Eric Whitelaw have set the stage for a highly anticipated season for the IceRays.
1st IceRays Pick: Billy Biedermann
In the first round of the draft, the IceRays selected center-forward Billy Biedermann as the 5th overall pick. Hailing from Little Current, Ontario, Canada, Biedermann brings an impressive skill set and a keen eye for the game. Standing at 5’10” and weighing 150 lbs, he has shown remarkable potential during his time with the Greater Sudbury Cubs. Biedermann shared his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to be selected in the draft by Corpus Christi. I am thankful and excited for this opportunity.”
Head Coach and General Manager Sylvain Cloutier says “We are really excited about the addition of Billy. He is great in the face off dot, high skilled, competes and plays a hard gritty game will fit right in our division.”
2nd IceRays Pick: Vilgot Holm
With the 37th overall pick in the second round, the IceRays added goaltender Vilgot Holm to their roster. Standing tall at 6’4″ and weighing 194 lbs, Holm, from Ljungby, Sweden, possesses excellent reflexes and a strong presence in the net. Coming from Farjestad BK Jr., Holm expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “I’m just super excited about getting drafted to a great organization and getting to play in a great city. Just feels amazing. Can’t wait to put on the IceRays jersey and get the season started!”
“In the words of Sylvain Cloutier, who serves as both Head Coach and General Manager, “We are very excited to get Vilgot on board. He’s going to be a big addition to our team. We look forward to seeing him at the end of August. ”
3rd IceRays Pick: Pierson Sobush
In the third round, the IceRays secured two talented forwards. The first being, Pierson Sobush, a left-winger from Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, was chosen as the 68th overall pick. Sobush, standing at 5’9″ and weighing 170 lbs, is known for his speed and scoring ability, brings a dynamic presence to the IceRays’ offensive lineup. He shared his appreciation for being drafted, stating, “I’m honored to be drafted to Corpus and extremely excited to be a part of the organization. I appreciate this opportunity.”
“Sobush is a strong shooter. At every level he’s played he’s put the puck in the back of the net. He will be a great addition to our team” expressed by Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier.
4th IceRays Pick: Michael Valdez
Additionally, the IceRays selected Michael Valdez as the 73rd overall pick. From Denver, Colorado, Valdez is a highly skilled forward who has demonstrated his ability to make plays and contribute to the team’s success. Valdez, standing at 6’0″ and weighing 170 lbs, eager to embark on this new journey.
Cloutier, shares the following about Michael Valdez, “We were really excited to draft Michael, he’s got 2 years of Junior experience. He had a good season in the BCHL last year, he plays hard, fast and he’s skilled. He has will definitely help our team.”
5th IceRays Pick: Eric Whitelaw
The IceRays welcomed Eric Whitelaw as the 74th overall pick. This talented center-forward from Easton, Massachusetts, USA, possesses a combination of speed, agility, and hockey IQ while standing at 5’11” and weighing 185 lbs, which all contributes to making him a formidable player on the ice. Whitelaw expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started in Corpus Christi!”
According to Sylvain Cloutier, “Eric played for us at the end of the season and did a great job. He competes, plays physical and he’s got a great attitude. We look forward to working with him next season.”
Overall
Cassidy Lange, the President of the Corpus Christi IceRays, extended a warm welcome to the drafted players, expressing his confidence in their abilities and their potential to contribute to the team’s success. “We are thrilled to welcome Billy Biedermann, Vilgot Holm, Pierson Sobush, Michael Valdez, and Eric Whitelaw to the IceRays family. We believe in their abilities and are excited to witness their growth and development within our organization.”
Sylvain Cloutier, the IceRays’ GM/Head Coach, shared his excitement about the new additions to the team, saying “With a strong emphasis on skill, speed, and talent, the IceRays have strategically chosen players who align with the team’s vision for the upcoming season.”
As the IceRays prepare for the upcoming season, they extend their best wishes to the newly drafted players and look forward to seeing them in action on the ice. The team is eager to see their selections and tenders come together, uniting as a cohesive and formidable force. With main camp right around the corner, the IceRays are ready to witness the talent and potential of their 2023 Draft Class shine through.
As the season approaches, the IceRays invite fans to join them on their thrilling journey, as they strive to bring exhilarating hockey action and unforgettable moments to the Corpus Christi community.
IceRays Season Tickets and Corporate Partnerships
The 2023-2024 Corpus Christi IceRays season schedule will be finalized and announced in the near future. If interested in season tickets or corporate partnerships, contact Cassidy Lange at (361) 814-7825 ext. 103 or email him at clange@goicerays.com
Join the Action and Bring the Sting
When the season starts, IceRays tickets will be on sale and available at the American Bank Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster outlets. For more information on the IceRays, or to purchase tickets when available, visit us at goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK (7825).
All IceRays games will be available to listen live on Brewster Street Radio and their Mobile App and you will be able to watch their games on the internet. Stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!