CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Oklahoma Warriors return to action against the Corpus Christi IceRays Friday at the American Bank Center after a 20-day break from games.
The Warriors are coming off a nearly three-week break in which roster moves were made, an additional alternate captain was named and a college commitment was announced.
Following the team’s most recent game, October 1 in Shreveport, third-year defenseman Garrett Horsager was named an alternate captain. Horsager factored in on all three of the Warriors’ goals in that game, scoring twice on the powerplay and adding a helper. The prior night, the Rosemount, Minnesota native assisted on the game-winning goal in overtime. Horsager was named the North American Hockey League South Division Player of the Week for the week of October 3rd.
“I felt more confident going into the season compared to last year, and I’m super excited to get the “A” from the coaching staff and the guys,” said Horsager. “I try to lead by example and let my actions speak louder than words. I want to be a good role model for the younger guys to follow.
Oklahoma’s top-line winger and North American Hockey League Forward of the Month for September, Hunter Jones, announced his commitment to play Division-I hockey at American International College for the 2023-24 season Tuesday.
“I know American International College is going to be a great place for me,” said Jones. “It’s a small school and it has a great family culture. I’m excited to see what it has in store for me and playing there will be an awesome opportunity. I like the game they play, and they’re really successful. They know how to win, and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”
Jones, 20, from Andover Minnesota, was recognized by the NAHL for his play during the month of September when he scored 4 goals and 11 points in 6 games played. Jones goes into Friday’s game leading the Warriors in goals scored (5), assists (7) and points (12).
A new face, and some familiar ones, make their way into the lineup for Friday’s matchup against Corpus Christi. Oklahoma added centerman Owen Carlile from the USHL’s Youngstown Phantoms, winger Dominick Rivelli from the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers. Additionally, Brendan Williams and Owen Baumgartner will return from injury for the weekend set.
Carlile, 18, has 11 career games played for the Phantoms and has recorded one assist. The Brighton, Michigan, product is committed to playing hockey for Army following his time in junior hockey.
“Everyone on our team is really good and there’s a lot of talent here,” said Carlile. “I’m excited to get my first game in, really looking forward to it.”
Carlile named Patrice Bergeron as someone he models his game after and takes pride in being a 200-ft player.
Rivelli,19, returns to the Warriors after suiting up in 81 regular season and 11 postseason games for the team over the last two seasons. Rivelli has scored 16 goals and 21 assists for 37 points altogether in a Warriors uniform. After his junior career is over, Rivelli is committed to play hockey for Miami University of Ohio.
“It’s awesome [to be back],” Rivelli said. “These guys have been a big part of my life over the last two years and coming back I feel so comfortable. On the ice we have chemistry and off the ice they’re like my brothers. It’s just one big family and I am so happy to be back with them.”
Watch the Warriors against the Corpus Christi IceRays Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the American Bank Center exclusively on HockeyTV.