BLAINE, MN – The Corpus Christi IceRays just couldn’t find a way to solve Michigan goaltender Brach Tiller as the Warriors shutout the IceRays 1-0 in the second game of the 2011 NAHL Showcase from Blaine, Minnesota.
The IceRays got off to a fast start in the first few minutes creating two great scoring chances, both of which failed to turn into points on the scoreboard. The best scoring chance was a two on one with Beau Walker and Josh Obregon. Walker fed Obregon with the pass, Obregon returned the favor and Walker was stopped by Tiller.
Corpus Christi also got into penalty trouble in the first period as Joe Ginley and Christian Elsborg each took two-minute minors, which the IceRays killed off. Overall, the IceRays took five penalties for ten minutes.
The Rays controlled the second period of play outshooting Michigan 17-3 for a two period total of 26-15 in favor of Corpus Christi.
The third period looked promising for the IceRays as well. They got off to another fast start but goaltender Brach Tiller play outstanding. “I am really proud of how the guys fought through adversity in the beginning killing the penalties,” said head coach Justin Quenneville. “I think this is a case of running into a hot goaltender you got to give credit to him he stood on his head all game long.”
Michigan broke the deadlock 14:06 into the third period. A three on two created a big rebound that was picked up by Cody Damon and wristed into the back of the net giving the Warriors a 1-0 lead. It was Damon’s first goal of the year with the assist credited to Zak Thompson.
IceRays goaltender Anthony Stolarz stopped 20 of 21 shots. With the loss, Corpus Christi moves to 1-1 on the season. The Rays’ are in action tomorrow at 1:15PM as they take on the WenatcheeWild in the third of four games at the 2011 NAHL Showcase. “I’m proud of the guys they worked hard and played more sound defensively today. We learned a lot from yesterday and used that here today” said Quenneville.
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