 "Photo: Photo by Krista Torralva")
Del Mar College student Zach Goller is the first Corpus Christi native to ever train with the Corpus Christi IceRays. Although Goller has not signed with the team, the 21-year-old athletic training major was invited to join the IceRays at their training camp and vie for a spot on the team.
Goller is one of nine hopefuls fighting for three open spots. Goller knows his chances of signing with the IceRays are slim, but he is optimistic as his options are wide.
“If I don’t make the team I plan to transfer somewhere north and play college hockey. If I make the team I’ll definitely go pro and play with the IceRays. But once I sign with them, or any professional hockey team, I can’t play college hockey,” Goller said.
If Goller does not make the team this season, he will still be able to train with the IceRays and progress his game. “Whatever happens, it’s a win win situation for me.”
Goller roller skated as a child, but in 1988, when he was 10 years old, his hobby shifted. Corpus Christi introduced the Ice Rays and a youth hockey league and Goller, an avid fan, joined the youth league.
After graduating from King High School, he moved to El Paso to join a new junior league; The El Paso Rhinos. Goller aided his team in becoming one of 12 teams across the nation to compete at the national championship two years in a row.
What started as a hobby became so much more. “Hockey is my life now,” Goller said.
Despite his experience, he has had to adjust to playing at the next level. “Things are a lot faster with the IceRays. Passes are much quicker but it’s a lot of fun,” he said.
In addition to practicing with the pros, Goller is involved with an adult league in Corpus. With games included, he is on the ice about three times a day. He also juggles working at the Omni Hotel and taking classes at Del Mar. In fact, training camp interfered with school for a week.
“It’s tough juggling it all. I’m doing homework here and there and taking tests early. My teachers have been real cool and have worked with me,” Goller said.
Goller hopes he isn’t the last Corpus Christi native to make it this far. “I’d hate to see hockey disappear in Corpus,” he said. “A big reason I’m doing this is to promote youth hockey,” a program in Corpus Christi that Goller said helped skyrocket his career.
Goller is considering playing for Minnesota Crookston, St. John’s in Minnesota, Curry College in Massachusetts and the Milwaukee School of Engineering.
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