Corpus Christi Seeks Strong Finish Ahead of Robertson Cup Playoffs
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The South Division playoff field is set heading into the final weekend of the regular season. Among the qualifiers, the Corpus Christi IceRays (29-22-6, 64 pts) travel to the Sooner State for one last series against the Oklahoma Warriors (25-25-2, 51 pts).
While the IceRays will not host first-round playoff games at the Hilliard Center, the focus remains on finishing strong and sharpening their game before the Robertson Cup Playoffs begin in one week.
BROADCAST / GAME INFORMATION
Both games will be head at the Blazers Ice Centre with the series kicking off on Friday, April 3, and concluding on Saturday, April 4. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. CT both nights.
Fans can watch the games on NATV or listen live on Retro Radio Corpus Christi by downloading the Retro Radio Corpus Christi app. Join the “Voice of the IceRays,” Joey Erickson, all weekend long. Pregame coverage on both NATV and Retro Radio Corpus Christi begins 15 minutes prior to puck drop.
WHATS AT STAKE
The IceRays playoff fate is already sealed heading into this weekend’s games against Oklahoma. Corpus Christi will face the Shreveport Mudbugs in the Robertson Cup Play-In Round next week, with all three games set to be played in Shreveport regardless of whether the IceRays finish fourth or fifth. As it stands, Corpus Christi holds a one-point advantage over the Mudbugs.
Oklahoma, meanwhile, awaits its first-round opponent, which is still being decided at the top of the division. With a sixth-place finish, the Warriors will face either New Mexico or El Paso, who are separated by just two points in the race for second and third. The second-place team will receive a first-round bye, joining Lone Star, which has already clinched the division title.
SHOOTOUT ASSAISINS
Corpus Christi continues to excel in shootouts, pushing its win total to eight with a 3–2 victory over El Paso last Saturday. The IceRays have set an organizational record with 12 wins beyond regulation this season, surpassing the previous mark set in 2014–15. Of their six losses past 60 minutes, only one has come in the shootout.
Goaltending has been a key factor in that success, and IceRays netminder Xander Miceli has delivered in those moments. Miceli has stopped 18 of 23 shooters this season, good for a 78.26% save rate in shootouts.
Finishing on the other end is just as important, and forward Alexandr Skuratov leads the way with three goals on five attempts this year. The IceRays also boast depth in the shootout, with 10 different players recording a goal in the skills competition this season.
GILLY GILLY!
Interim Head Coach Ryan Gil picked up his first career win in the NAHL last week in the IceRays shootout victory. Gil, who is still early in his coaching career, had only served behind the bench once prior to his promotion. Despite his youth, Gil hopes to guide the IceRays on a deep playoff run, bringing energy and fresh perspective to the team.
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.
