CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays won their home opener against Odessa last Friday, and the Jackalopes returned the favor tonight winning their home opener 5-3 over the IceRays inside the Ector County Coliseum in Odessa, Texas.
The Jackalopes kicked off the scoring in their home opener 7:10 into the first period. Willie Faust picked up a rebound in front of the net, beating the diving goaltender Kale Robertson giving Odessa a 1-0 lead.
Just 38 seconds later, Ryan Atkinson scored on an off angle with assists from Chris Benoit and Darren Lapic putting the Jackalopes up 2-0.
The IceRays split Odessa’s lead in half when Brandon Adams, in his first game as an IceRay, scored with assists from Chris Taff and A.J Jarosz, making the score 2-1 in favor of Odessa.
The Jackalopes scored two more in the period. One goal came from Tyler Minx at the 16:27 mark of the first period. The final goal of the period was scored with 56 seconds left in the period on a power play increasing the Jackalopes lead 4-1.
The IceRays scored the only goal of the second period as Eric Purcell streaked down the right side of the ice, firing the puck through the screen beating Connor Hellebuyck low, again splitting the lead in half 4-2.
Eric Purcell struck again, this time in the third period. Seth Blair drove the net and shot the puck, Purcell scooped up the rebound beating Hellebuyck again pulling the IceRays within a goal, 4-3.
Willie Faust ended any chances of a comeback scoring his second goal of the game beating Anthony Stolarz for a 5-3 lead.
Kale Robertson was pulled after the first period, stopping 4 of 8 shots. Anthony Stolarz replaced Robertson stopping 18 of 19 shots faced.
The IceRays are in action tomorrow night against Odessa. Puck drops at 7:05PM, coverage begins at 6:50PM with the IceRays Pregame Show. Tomorrow’s broadcast is available online only at espncorpus.com or fasthockey.com
Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/corpuschristiicerays), Twitter (@goicerays), and the team’s Youtube channel ICERAYS TV (@goicerays)
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