Mudbugs' Henry Named As
New Head Coach of the Ice Rays
Hockey veteran brings winning attitude to Corpus Christi

Corpus Christi - 06/18/01 - Dale Henry has been named as Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Corpus Christi Ice Rays. Henry replaces Taylor Hall, who was promoted to General Manager last month.

Henry, whose professional career dates back 17 seasons with the AHL, CHL and the WPHL, played the past four years with the WPHL-Champion Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs.

“I’m excited about the opportunity here in Corpus Christi,” said Henry. “I had a great career as a player, and I’m hoping to continue that success as a coach.”

In his 17 seasons as a player, Henry won 5 championships, including three with Bossier-Shreveport where he was a Player/Assistant Coach and Captain.

His other two championships came with the Springfield Indians (AHL) back in the 1989-90, and 1990-91 seasons.

Henry started his career during the 1983-84 Central Hockey League Playoffs with the former Indianapolis Checkers.

A year prior to lacing his skates up as a pro, Henry was drafted in the 8th round and the 157th player overall by the New York Islanders in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Dale’s NHL career would span into parts of 6 seasons, all of which were with the Islanders.

“I feel Dale is the perfect person to bring the IceRays to the next level,” said General Manager Taylor Hall. “Dale is a well respected member of the hockey community, and I look forward to working with him as our new coach.”

Henry will take over a very successful IceRays team. Over the past three seasons Corpus Christi has won 114 games, which is the second most of any WPHL team in that time span. The only team with more victories in last three seasons was Henry’s former team, the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs who won 136 games.

Dale will also be replacing Hall, who was honored recently at the WPHL's final spring meeting as the Winningest Head Coach in WPHL history for 156 victories In four seasons as a head coach (three in Corpus Christi, and one in New Mexico).

“If Dale can bring the knowledge and desire he had as a Player/Assistant Coach, then he will be one of the top coaches at this level,” said Hall. “The important thing for Dale is to start getting settled into his new position, and continue our recruiting process for next year.”

So far the IceRays have signed seven players for next year, including five returning players.

New roster rules will limit the amount of veterans (players that have played more than 230 professional games) to five roster spots, and all teams must have 3 rookies (players that have played in less than 25 games.)

Henry is already familiar with the new rules, as he has played three seasons with the Rays' newest rivals the San Antonio Iguanas.

“Taylor has given me a good starting block to work from,” said Henry. “We have already signed some quality players, and I have a feeling with the reputation the IceRays and the City of Corpus Christi have, it shouldn’t be hard to continue to recruit outstanding hockey players.”

 

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