SOLDOTNA, Alaska – The Kenai River Brown Bears defeated the Corpus Christi IceRays, 5-1, Friday night at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. Five different players scored for the Brown Bears, who scored the game’s final three goals, including an empty-net tally, after Brian Kramer’s goal brought the IceRays back within one (2-1) early in the third period.
Connor Scahill opened the scoring for the Brown Bears 8:48 into the game, firing a glove-side shot after receiving a pass from Zach Krajnik.
Kenai River doubled the lead to 2-0 when Michael Spethmann buried a rebound from the left wing during 4-on-4 action at 15:59 of the second period.
Kramer got Corpus Christi on the board with a shot from the point that flew past slot traffic at 1:42 of the third period. However, the Brown Bears regained a two-goal lead just two-and-a-half minutes later with a goal from Logan Ritchie. Krajnik scored from down low at 8:56 to make it 4-1, then Justin Daly added the empty net goal with 4:05 remaining.
Gavin Enright made 31 saves for Kenai River. IceRays goaltender Samuel Vyletelka stopped 21 shots.
The loss dropped the IceRays (21-22-1-0, 43 pts.) below the .500 mark for the first time since the start of December. The IceRays currently hold the fourth-and-final playoff spot in the NAHL South Division.
The IceRays complete their Alaska trip with a 10:30 PM CT (7:30 PM AKST) rematch Saturday night against the Brown Bears. The game will be carried live on Sportsradio Corpus Christi (1230 AM/95.1 FM/96.1 FM), HockeyTV and Mixlr with the pre-game show starting at 10:15 PM CT.
Next weekend, the IceRays return home to the American Bank Center for a Feb. 15-16 set against the Odessa Jackalopes. Puck drop both nights is set for 7:05 PM. Stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays) and Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays). Tickets are on sale now for the IceRays’ final eight home games of the 2018-19 regular season. Visit goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK (7825) for tickets or more information.
