IceRays Forward Oliver Czaja Records First Career Multi-Goal Night
EL PASO, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (3-0-0) remained unbeaten to start the 2026-27 season after defeating the El Paso Rhinos (0-1-2) in an epic 4-3 overtime battle at the El Paso County Event Center Friday night. Oliver Czaja scored the overtime winner to cap off his first multi-goal game of his career in the NAHL.
Corpus Christi controlled the opening five minutes with little trouble in front of the home crowd. The IceRays generated early opportunities, with the best chance coming from Michael Azzarone, who was denied by Rhinos netminder Logan Hughes, who finished the period with eight saves. El Paso settled in as the period progressed and began tilting the ice in its favor.
The Rhinos peppered Griffin Wright, making his IceRays debut in net, but the Edmonton, Alberta, native was ready for the challenge. Wright made 14 saves in the opening period, including two key stops while Corpus Christi was shorthanded, keeping the contest scoreless after 20 minutes.
After 27 minutes of a stalemate in El Paso, the IceRays finally broke through.
Defenseman Anthony Peladino, making his IceRays debut, wired a shot off the pipe and into the net for his first career NAHL goal. Willem Kerr and Aiden Ferriera picked up the assists.
Corpus Christi kept the momentum going and doubled its lead off an offensive-zone faceoff. Brodie Hankel poked the puck past Hughes for his second goal of the season, with Kerr and Michael Sandruck earning the helpers. Then, on the very next shift, Azzarone threw a puck toward the net, creating a scramble in front. Oliver Czaja jabbed the puck home to give the IceRays a 3-0 advantage. Corpus Christi had scored three goals in a span of just three and a half minutes.
El Paso answered only 20 seconds later when Teddy Frizzie found the back of the net, cutting the IceRays lead to 3-1.
The Rhinos continued to push in the third period, and special teams became the story.
El Paso was awarded eight power plays throughout the game compared to just one for Corpus Christi. The Rhinos capitalized on their opportunities, with Justin Ouellette scoring twice on the man-advantage in the third period to erase the two-goal deficit and send the game to overtime.
With the game tied at 3-3, the IceRays needed one final answer.
They got it from Czaja.
In overtime, Czaja scored his second goal of the night, finding the back of the net to complete the comeback and send Corpus Christi home with a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory.
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.
