Corpus Christi remains undefeated past regulation this season
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (4-5-0) leave Shreveport with an exhilarating shootout victory over the Shreveport Mudbugs (5-4-2), winning 3-2 on Saturday night. Goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov was sensational in net, making 51 saves en route to his third win of the season.
“That was pure heart out there tonight — every player left it all on the ice. In the shootout, it comes down to nerves and trust, and our guys delivered. And what can you even say about Bryzgalov? 51 saves — he was a wall tonight. That kind of performance gives your team the belief that anything’s possible,” said IceRays Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques.
Déjà vu struck the IceRays after taking a penalty in the opening minute for the second straight night, setting up an early Shreveport power play. This time, however, the IceRays rectified their mistakes and killed it off, thanks to big stops from Bryzgalov, who made four of his 15 first period saves on that penalty kill. Corpus Christi followed up with a power play goal from William Stewart, his second of the season, to take a 1-0 lead. Stewart’s goal stood as the only tally of the first period.
With their first lead of the weekend, the IceRays kept the pressure on to begin the second period in search of an insurance marker. They were rewarded when Nick Peragine’s centering pass pinballed off sticks and skates before crawling across the goal line to make it 2-0. As expected, Shreveport responded, converting on their third power play of the game with a one-timer from Evan Hoglund that fluttered into the top corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1. Despite late chances for both sides, the IceRays held their lead heading into the second intermission.
Early in the third, Corpus Christi found themselves shorthanded once again after a five-minute major, giving the Mudbugs a golden opportunity to flip the game. Just 13 seconds into the power play, Hoglund buried his second of the night to tie the game 2-2. The IceRays managed to survive the remaining 4:37 of the major, keeping their hopes alive for a weekend split.
Bryzgalov was spectacular the rest of the way, turning aside a period-high 19 shots, bringing his total to 49 by the end of regulation and sending the game to overtime.
Shreveport fired all five shots in the extra frame, but once again, Bryzgalov stood tall, denying every chance during the five-minute 3-on-3 period. For the second straight week, the IceRays headed to a shootout looking for the extra point.
Grayson Gerhard kicked off the shootout with a goal, giving the IceRays the early advantage. Shreveport’s Duke Erhard answered in round two, followed by a James Chase goal for Corpus Christi. Joseph Samango responded to force sudden death.
In the fifth round, IceRays veteran Billy Biedermann rifled a shot upstairs to put Corpus Christi ahead once again. With the game on the line, Shreveport turned to Carter McKay, but Bryzgalov shut the door, capping off a 51-save performance and sealing a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory for the IceRays.
NEXT HOME SERIES
The IceRays return to the Hilliard Center on October 17th and 18th for a two-game showdown against the El Paso Rhinos. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. on both Friday and Saturday.
Tickets start at just $5!
Grab yours now at www.goicerays.com, on Ticketmaster, or at the Hilliard Center box office.
About Corpus Christi IceRays: The Corpus Christi IceRays, a member of the North American Hockey League playing out of the Hilliard Center in downtown Corpus Christi, TX. For more information or for all your ticketing needs, contact the IceRays Front Office at (361)-814-PUCK or visit www.GoIceRays.com . You can also follow the team through their social media platforms: Facebook @goicerays, Instagram @iceraysnahl, and Twitter @iceraysnahl
About North American Hockey League: Celebrating its 50th season in 2024-25, the NAHL, the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 35 teams in 20 states from North American. For more information, visit the NAHL website at https://nahl.com/
About Hilliard Center: Hilliard Center is an entertainment complex owned by the city of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group with OVG Hospitality. The complex is in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas and consists of an arena, auditorium, and convention center. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events. Located directly on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay downtown, Hilliard Center is flexible for any group offering complimentary Wi-Fi and premium food and beverage options.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
