Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - IceRays fans range from face-painters to families

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Saturday, October 14, 2000

IceRays fans range from face-painters to families
Supporters of Corpus Christi franchise vary in many ways except for enthusiasm for hockey club
Andrea Wall
Caller-Times
Before the IceRays take the ice, Debby Brooks puts her game face on. She carefully applies lipstick, eye shadow, fingernail polish and hair dye - all in a bright shade of blue.
   "I have been to every game since they came to town and every season I try to have a new theme," Brooks said. "Last year, I wore IceRays boxers on my head - this year, I am trying to be more colorful."
   Brooks went all out at the IceRays season opening win over the Fort Worth Brahmas, 3-1, Thursday night. The IceRays will continue season play against Lake Charles tonight at 7 p.m. at Memorial Coliseum.
   Brooks' fiancé, Doug Ploof, could be called an even bigger hockey fan - after all, he is the team mascot, "Sugar Ray."
   "We have always been huge hockey supporters," Brooks said. "We used to drive to San Antonio all the time to watch games. We went ballistic went the Corpus Christi got a hockey team."
   The IceRays followers, voted "Best Fans of the Western Professional Hockey League" two seasons ago, are a diverse group. At games, you would be hard pressed in finding one dominant group of people, whether it be young, old, male or female.
   "The IceRays are great," said Taylor Cooper, 12. "I love watching hockey and especially the IceRays because they are so good."
   Orlando Trevino likes to bring his son and mother to the games.
   "I have been coming since the inaugural season I was excited when my family got into it," Trevino said. "I love the speed of the game - the finesse of it. Granted, these guys aren't NHL players, but they have better determination than them and that is what people come to see."
   Memorial Coliseum, better known as the "Igloo" during hockey season, is not an easy arena for opponents to travel to. It was voted "Most intimidating place to play in" by WPHL coaches and players the past two seasons in a row.
   "You can't have an intimidating arena without intimidating fans," said IceRays spokesman Mike Modugno.



Staff writer Andrea Wall can by reached at 886-3725 or by e-mail at walla@caller.com

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