Corpus Christi Faces Elmira, Idaho Falls, and Watertown
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (4-0-0) of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) enter the 2026 NAHL Showcase undefeated for the first time. The IceRays will face three opponents in three days starting with Elmira (2-3-0) on Thursday, Idaho Falls (1-1-1) on Friday, followed by Watertown (1-0-2) on Saturday.
GAME INFORMATION/BROADCAST
The IceRays take on the Elmira Aviatiors Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m. CT on Rink 4, followed by a 3:45 p.m. CT puck drop on Sept. 25 against the Idaho Falls Spud Kings. Corpus Christi wraps up the showcase against the Watertown Shamrocks on Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. CT.
Fans can catch every IceRays game at the Showcase live on NATV. The “Voice of the IceRays,” Joey Erickson, will have the call throughout the 2026-27 season, bringing all the action directly to fans wherever they are. The pregame show begins 15 minutes before puck drop.
CZAJA THE STAR
Oliver Czaja was named the South Division’s Second Star of the Week following a standout weekend that helped lead the IceRays to a road sweep of the El Paso Rhinos.
On Friday night, Czaja scored twice for his first multi-goal game of the season. His biggest goal came in overtime, when he buried the game-winner to give the IceRays a thrilling 4-3 victory and secure the opening game of the series.
Czaja continued his strong weekend on Saturday, opening the scoring with the IceRays first shorthanded goal of the season as Corpus Christi completed the sweep with another road victory. Through the first four games of the season, Czaja now leads the IceRays in scoring with seven points, helping the team open the season with a perfect 4-0-0 record for the first time in organizational history.
THE PUCK STOPS HERE
The IceRays have gotten strong goaltending to start the 2026-27 season, giving the team a dependable last line of defense early in the campaign.
Vladislav Bryzgalov has been particularly impressive, opening the season with a 3-0 record and a shutout. He helped set the tone on opening night by stopping all 26 shots he faced in a 1-0 victory over the El Paso Rhinos.
Griffin Wright added to that strong start last Friday when he made his first start of the season against El Paso. The 6-foot-5 goaltender turned aside 33 shots, finishing with a .917 save percentage and earning the victory as Corpus Christi prevailed 4-3 in overtime.
NEW FOES
The Showcase is always an exciting opportunity to see the IceRays face opponents from outside their division, something that only happens once a year. This year’s event is especially intriguing, as Corpus Christi will take on three teams it has never faced before.
Elmira and Watertown joined the NAHL two seasons ago and compete in the East and Central Divisions, respectively. Idaho Falls is an even newer addition, playing its inaugural NAHL season as a member of the newly formed Mountain Division. With three unfamiliar opponents on the schedule, this year’s Showcase promises to provide the IceRays with a unique challenge and a chance to test themselves against teams they don’t normally see during the regular season.
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.
