Michael Sandruck Delivers Game-Winning Goal in the Second
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — Vladislav Bryzgalov pitches a 21-save shutout in the Corpus Christi IceRays (1-0-0) 1-0 victory over the El Paso Rhinos (0-1-0) in their season opener at the Hillard Center Friday night. IceRays forward Michael Sandruck scored the lone goal in the contest in the second period that served as the game winning goal.
“From the first puck drop, our guys competed hard and stayed committed to the game plan,” the IceRays head coach Nick Skerlick said. “Bryzgalov was outstanding when we needed him, and our penalty kill and defense stepped up in the big moments. It’s a great way to start the season.”
A packed Hilliard Center took in a fast paced first period that saw very few whistles in the early going. The IceRays fed off the crowd and generated the first few scoring chances of the night that slipped away. Logan Hughes in net for El Paso and Bryzgalov in net for Corpus Christi went save for save in the opening frame. After failing to score on two power plays, the IceRays were on their heels as El Paso grew into the period. The Rhinos peppered Bryzgalov the rest of the way who made nine saves to keep the game scoreless after one.
Penalties piled up in the second period, but the penalty kill units on both sides were as steady as can be. The Rhinos and IceRays went a combined 0-for-12 on the power play in the contest. The halfway point had come and gone, and the game was still deadlocked. Until, Michael Sandruck danced his way to the slot after a face-off win from Oliver Czaja and delivered the only goal of the night for a 1-0 IceRays lead. El Paso chipped away as the period came to a close, but the IceRays defense in front of Bryzgalov stood tall.
What figured to be a busy period for Bryzgalov and company was not to be as Corpus Christi held the Rhinos to just three shots. However, the period did not lack any excitement as El Paso leaned on Corpus Christi in search of an equalizer.
The IceRays penalty kill went flawless two more times in the period to hold a 1-0 lead in the final moments of regulation. Hughes was pulled for the extra attacker with 90 seconds remaining. The Rhinos failed to generate a quality scoring chance with a hungry IceRays defense blocking shots and clearing the front of the crease. Bryzgalov hung on for his first career shutout in the NAHL and delivered the first ever shutout in a season opener for Corpus Christi.
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.
