(Team Press Release) The Corpus Christi Rayz re-signed forward Ryan Carter for the 2006-2007 season, Rayz General Manager Larry Linde announced Wednesday afternoon. In two seasons with the Rayz, the four-year pro has totaled 99 points in 124 games. Carter becomes the second player to sign with the Rayz this off-season, along with forward Jason Baird.

Carter, 29, set a career high last season tallying 20 goals. He finished with 49 points (20 goals, 29 assists), just one shy of his career high. Carter ended the season second on the team in both goals and points. He is regarded as one of the premier two-way forwards in the CHL. In 2005, Carter was named the Best Penalty Killer in the league in the CHL’s Best of the Best Poll. He has six shorthanded goals in his Rayz career, tops among all Corpus Christi players over the last two years.

The upcoming season will be Carter’s third in the Coastal Bend. He began his professional career with the Reading Royals of the ECHL where he played five games at the end of the 2001-02 season. He then played his first two full seasons with the Indianapolis Ice under current Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae. In the summer of 2004 he followed McRae to Corpus Christi and enjoyed a breakout season in his Rayz debut, gaining league-wide recognition in the process. Since his move, the Fort Nelson, British Columbia native has become a fan favorite on the Gulf Coast.

The 6’ 2”, 205 lbs. Carter has showcased his durability through two, team-injury plagued seasons. In spite of the massive number of injuries his teammates have suffered, Carter remains one of only two players – along with Derrick McIver – to appear in every Rayz game over the past two years.

“We’re glad to have Ryan back for another year,” said McRae. “He’s one of our more versatile players. He can play anywhere on special teams. He’s a great penalty killer, and you know what he brings to the table. He’s a solid player in this league. As a 20 goal scorer last year, we’ll look for him to produce even something bigger this season.”

Prior to turning pro, Carter had a standout four-year college career at Iona University in New York. While there, Carter became the University’s all-time leading scorer and a Hobey Baker Award Finalist for the top collegiate hockey player in the country.

The Corpus Christi Rayz are currently in preparation for the 2006-2007 season. The Rayz return to the American Bank Center is only 108 days away. Corpus Christi has scheduled their home opener on October 21st.