CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The Corpus Christi IceRays are headed to the 2019 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs thanks to a 1-0 win Friday against the Topeka Pilots. Samuel Vyletelka made 36 saves in his first career NAHL shutout. Matthew Headland scored on Corpus Christi’s first shot of the night to record the only goal of the game.
The 4-seed IceRays will meet the 1-seed Amarillo Bulls in the first round of the playoffs starting next weekend in Amarillo. The full best-of-five series schedule will be announced later this weekend.
Headland’s goal came 2:26 into the first period, receiving the puck at the blue line and firing a shot past Topeka goaltender McLean Dorr’s left-hand blocker. The goal was Headland’s fifth of the season, and marked the fifth assist of the season for both Nick Godfrey and Anthony Yurkins.
Vyletelka remained strong to earn the shutout. The IceRays were shorthanded in the game’s final 1:58, plus Topeka pulled Dorr in favor of an extra attacker, but the Pilots were kept off the board.
The IceRays will be in the playoffs for a third-consecutive season. With the loss, Topeka was eliminated from the playoff race.
The IceRays and Pilots close the regular season Saturday night at 7:05 PM, concluding “Pack the House for Charity” Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by AFGE, The Storage Place, 1st Class Towing, H-E-B, Tukasa Creations and Ruben’s Fleet Service. All tickets (best available) are just $5 courtesy of Corpus Christi Downtown Management District. The IceRays will wear special Ronald McDonald jerseys, same as Friday night, which will be auctioned off immediately following Saturday’s game to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi.
Saturday also marks the final post-game skate of the season, presented by Braselton Homes. Join the team on the ice for approximately 45 minutes following the game. Admission is $9 including skate rental or $7 for fans who bring their own skates.
Stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays) and Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays). Visit goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK (7825) for tickets or more information.
