ICERAYS’ BULL COMPLETES HAT TRICK WITH OVERTIME WINNER ON OPENING NIGHT

Sep 13, 2019

TOPEKA, Kan. – Shane Bull buried a backhand shot through the five-hole to tally the overtime winner Friday, completing a hat trick to lead the Corpus Christi IceRays to a 4-3 road win on 2019-20 NAHL Opening Night against the Topeka Pilots inside Landon Arena at Stormont Vail Events Center. Shane also recorded an assist on twin brother Noah Bull’s game-tying goal with 2:22 remaining in regulation.

The IceRays (1-0-0-0, 2 pts.) also received two assists each from forward Evan Carroll and defenseman Tyler Orban.

Shane Bull opened the scoring 1:02 into the game with a rebound shot past Topeka netminder Max Karlenzig’s blocker, then doubled the lead with another tally 4:38 into the second period.

The Pilots took control of the second period, doubling the IceRays in shots (12-6), and starting a string of three consecutive goals with Shane Hathaway’s marker at 12:34.

Topeka’s Jordan Gonzalez tied the game with a shot through traffic at 2:40 of the third period, then Alexander Oberg gave the home team its lone lead of the night with 13:48 remaining.

After IceRays head coach Al Rooney called timeout with under three minutes remaining, Noah Bull tied the game off the ensuing faceoff with a shot from the low slot.

Including Shane Bull’s game-winning goal, the IceRays outshot the Pilots in overtime by a 5-0 margin.

Jeremy Forman made 26 saves between the pipes for Corpus Christi. The IceRays’ disciplined effort led to zero power-play opportunities for the Pilots.

The IceRays and Pilots rematch Saturday night in Topeka at 7:05 PM. Following this weekend’s action, the IceRays continue north to play four games in four days at the 2019 NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minn.

The IceRays’ home opener takes place Thursday, Oct. 10 against the Odessa Jackalopes. Season ticket memberships are on sale now while single game tickets will be available later this month. Visit goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK for tickets or more information.