RAYS WIN HOME OPENER

Sep 22, 2011

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays kicked off their home opener in thrilling fashion with a 2-1 overtime victory over the Odessa Jackalopes.  However, it was how the game winning goal was scored that made this game memorable.  Eric Purcell scored on a penalty shot in overtime electrifying the crowd in the 2-1 win. 

Right off the opening faceoff the IceRays controlled play with a few quick shots on Odessa goaltender Connor Hellebuyck however could not solve him in the first period.

The Jackalopes broke the scoreless game 16:24 into the first period after a penalty concluded; Alex Ostrowski exited the penalty box and received a pass right out of the box. Ostrowski went in and above the circle fanned on a shot, regained possession of the puck, and from a difficult angle went low on Kale Robertson to give Odessa a 1-0 lead. 

In the second period, things got physical when Seth Blair got into it, and a few seconds later everyone dropped the mitts resulting in 72 minutes in penalties and four ejections.

Not only did Seth Blair bring the physical aspect of his game, but he also had the scoring touch as well.  At 17:53 of the second period Blair picked up a loose rebound in front of the net and fired it top shelf to tie the game at one.  The lone assist was credited to Cody Milligan.

After no goals were scored in the third period, overtime was next.  Eric Purcell intercepted a pass in overtime and went in on a breakaway but was hauled down resulting in a penalty shot.  Purcell went top shelf glove side on Connor Hellebuyck to give the IceRays a 2-1 win in front of raucous crowd of 5,145 inside the American Bank Center

The IceRays outshot the Jackalopes 42-23.  Corpus Christi had 41 minutes in penalties while Odessa racked up 51 minutes.  Kale Robertson finished with 22 saves and Connor Hellebuyck put aside 40 shots

The IceRays are in action next weekend for a pair of game in Odessa at 7:05PM.  Coverage on ESPN Radio 1440 starts at 6:50 with the pregame show!

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)

          “THE NEW ICERAYS…TOMORROW’S STARS”