Preview: IceRays @ Lone Star Brahmas (Game 27)

Dec 8, 2017

 


Sunday’s Gone

The IceRays had fared quite well in Sunday tilts this season, with last weekend’s 5-1 defeat against Shreveport at home being the exception. They are now 2-1-0 in Sunday games, and will not play another one for the remainder of the season. Afternoon contests, however, seem to be when they struggle the most.

In games starting before 5 pm, the Rays are 0-4-1 this season. Fortunately, there won’t be another one of those for the rest of the campaign, either. Last Sunday, they picked up their play substantially as the game progressed. But falling into a 3-0 hole after the first period proved consequential as the Mudbugs held them to a single score for the rest of the game.


The Matchup

Lone Star snuck away with a shootout victory the last time these teams met back on November 18th. What made the defeat so painful was that the IceRays had a 3-1 lead with time winding down in the third period, and appeared to be en route to sweeping their biggest rivals on home ice and winning their sixth consecutive game. But, two late goals forced overtime, and eventually, a shootout.

The Rays managed to take 3 of 4 points that weekend, but they have not beaten the Brahmas at NYTEX Sports Centre yet this season. Lone Star is right in the middle of a ten-game home stand, which has been underwhelming for them up to this point. They’ve strung together a 2-2-1 record throughout it thus far, and were blown out by the Odessa Jackalopes last Friday night. They were nearly swept, but saved by a Ture Linden overtime goal. Both of these teams are coming off weekends in which they had a thrilling extra-time victory and a disappointing game to forget, and both will be seeking to set things right as they continue battling for positioning in the extremely tight South Division.


Logar Joins the Mix

The IceRays’ newest addition, Andrew Logar, will get his first taste of NAHL action tonight. Regarded as a quick, playmaking centerman, Logar will sport the number 19 and will attempt to bring some scoring depth down the middle. Hear his interview during the first intermission of tonight’s game on SportsRadio Corpus Christi (1230 AM, 96.1 FM, 95.1 FM).


Veltri Returns

Chad Veltri returns to the lineup after a brief but wildly successful visit to Niagara University. He made his decision to commit to the Purple Eagles just days after seeing what the campus and program had to offer. He is the likely starter tonight after having a stellar outing last Saturday against the Shreveport Mudbugs, making 43 of a possible 45 saves and going 3-for-3 in the ensuing shootout. He will be looking to shut the door against the banged-up Brahmas in his first game after making his commitment. Hear his interview during the second intermission of tonight’s game on SportsRadio Corpus Christi (1230 AM, 96.1 FM, 95.1 FM).