IceRays Outshoot Rhinos 47-26 in Defeat
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (20-17-4) comeback attempt fell just short Saturday night, as they dropped a 5–4 decision to the El Paso Rhinos (22-14-6) at the El Paso County Event Center. The loss completed a six-game season sweep by the Rhinos. Despite the setback, Corpus Christi remains in fourth place following the weekend.
“There were a lot of good things in our game, especially our second period and the way we competed until the final horn. We’ll take that effort, clean up the details, and be ready for the next one, said Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques.”
El Paso took control early in the first period, jumping out to a 6–2 shot advantage in the opening five minutes. The Rhinos broke through before the halfway point when Aiden Bergner connected with Jackson Potulny on a 2-on-1 to open the scoring. The IceRays responded with a pair of strong shifts, and Jonathan Cifaldi sifted a shot through Rhino’s goaltender Logan Hughes to tie the game at 1–1 four minutes later.
The deadlock was short-lived, as Bergner found the net on a backhand in tight to restore a 2–1 Rhino’s advantage. The first penalty of the night went against Corpus Christi, and the Rhinos’ power play made quick work of the opportunity, with Eathan Woolcott deflecting a shot to extend the lead to 3–1 at the first intermission.
Corpus Christi made a strong push in the middle frame, aiming to cut into the two-goal deficit. A double minor for slashing to Rhinos forward Woolcott put the IceRays on their first man advantage, but they were unable to convert. Another power play followed shortly after, but despite a flurry of chances and shots, the Rhinos remained unscathed.
The IceRays finally broke through at even strength when Easton Swift redirected a shot from Lucas Hihn to make it 3–2. El Paso was quiet for much of the period, mustering just five shots, but one found its way through off the stick of Alexander Stephen to restore a two-goal cushion. Corpus Christi’s season-high 25 shots in the second period paid off late, as Nick Sinani’s final attempt trickled through Hughes to make it 4–3 after forty minutes.
The margin remained one through the opening ten minutes of the third period as the IceRays pressed for the equalizer. However, Rhinos forward Troy Hunka made a highlight-reel move past an IceRays defender and beat Davis to extend the lead to 5–3 with less than nine minutes remaining in regulation. Corpus Christi refused to go quietly, as Grayson Cohen scored his first goal since October 10 to pull the IceRays back within one.
The IceRays finished the period with 15 shots, including two chances with the goaltender pulled, but Hughes and the Rhinos held on to secure the 5–4 victory and complete the season sweep.
NEXT SERIES
Corpus Christi returns to the Hilliard Center February 6 & 7 when they host the New Mexico Ice Wolves in a two-game weekend series. The weekend is headlined by Stars and Stripes Night on Saturday where all Veterans, Active-Duty Military, First Responders, and their family’s get in free! Up to four free tickets when you show your ID at the Hilliard Center Box Office. Stars and Stripes Night is presented by the U.S.S Lexington Museum and IBEW 278!
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW
Tickets start at just $5! Student and Active Military Tickets are available at the Hilliard Center Box Office with valid ID.
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 Corpus Christi’s premier entertainment and event complex, proudly owned by the City of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group. Named in partnership with Hilliard Law, a firm dedicated to service and community, the waterfront venue features a state-of-the-art arena, the historic Selena Auditorium, and a versatile convention center overlooking the scenic Corpus Christi Bay. With adaptable spaces, complimentary Wi-Fi, and premium food and beverage offerings, Hilliard Center is designed to deliver exceptional experiences as South Texas’ home for live entertainment, conventions, and community gatherings.
Visit HilliardCenter.com and follow the Hilliard Center on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok for the latest news and event updates.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in premium live entertainment infrastructure and services, with a platform spanning venue development and end-to-end capabilities across venue management, hospitality, and sponsorship sales. Founded in 2015, the Company serves a collection of seven world-class owned venues and a client roster of the most iconic arenas, stadiums, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions, spanning four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
