Bennett, 26, is coming off an injury-plagued year that saw him sign late in the season with the Youngstown SteelHounds (CHL). The Glens Falls, New York native made the most of short season scoring eight goals with three assists (11 points) in 11 games played with the Hounds. He was named the Oakley/CHL Player of the Week following the final week of the season after totaling six goals, three assists and a +9 plus/minus rating in three games versus the eventual Northern Conference champion Colorado Eagles. In five playoff games with Youngstown, Bennett netted four points (2-2=4).

"Ryan was one of the more talented players on the free agent market and had numerous CHL and ECHL teams courting him," said Dunn. "Sylvain Cloutier (IceRays Head Coach), Brent Chesney and I worked very hard to sell Ryan on choosing Corpus Christi for his new home. He is a huge addition to our hockey team both on and off the ice. His maturity will be a strong and welcome force on the team."

In his five-year professional career, the 6-0, 195-pound forward has dressed in 12 American Hockey League games seeing action with Rochester and Portland. In 234 career games, Bennett has scored 70 goals with 100 helpers for 170 points. He has played in 17 career post-season contests notching 15 points (5-10=15).

"Signing with the IceRays was an easy choice," said Bennett. "I know Coach Cloutier very well and know that his style on the ice along with his hockey knowledge will translate well to his transition behind the bench. Last season felt incomplete for me playing so few games but I feel refreshed and ready for this season and am looking forward to our first game."

Bennett and Cloutier were teammates in Adirondack in the United Hockey League for parts of three seasons (2003-06).