NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays (17-20-4) only allow one goal in a defensive effort but drop 1-0 to the Lone Star Brahmas (27-9-7) on Saturday night at the NYTEX Sports Centre.
The opening two periods were a work of defensive dominance by both sides with few chances for the game’s first goal that weren’t either uncontested or turned away with ease by the netminders. The first period resulted in one power play for either side with no goal as a result and an even six-shot spread for either side. Chances were slim, but one chance by either side were turned away by their respective netminders.
The second period became highlight material for IceRays netminder Dryden McKay and Brahmas goaltender Corbin Kaczperski. The IceRays earned the lone two power plays of the frame, and Kaczperski took away two big chances including one forced by a great individual effort by IceRays forward Andy McGlynn to take the puck himself in front of the net from the neutral zone before being robbed by a glove. The best chance for the Brahmas came late in the period with forward Carson Kelley rushing in through the IceRays defense, but McKay tossed the shot aside, saving 13 in that second period with a hard press by Lone Star at the end of the period.
An early power play in the third period made the difference in the contest. McKay made the initial save, but the rebound was stuffed in by Brahmas forward Alex Berardinelli at 2:40 to gain the 1-0 lead. Both teams continued to clamp down defensively, and even with the netminder pulled late in the game the IceRays couldn’t find an answer and faltered in the contest. Kaczperski (17-6-2) earns his second shutout in a 16-save effort, and McKay (7-8-1) picks up the loss while stopping 23 of 24 shots.
The IceRays continue their home schedule at the American Bank Center on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7:11 p.m. for the first of three games against the Lone Star Brahmas and continuing their five-straight games. Tickets are available at www.Ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office, or the IceRays Front Office. Coverage begins at 6:55 p.m. on SportsJuice.com, FASTHockey.com, and 87.7FM in-arena.
Contact the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK or go to www.goicerays.com for details on season tickets along with pricing and seating. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Vine (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
