CORPUS CHRISTI FALTERS DOWN THE STRETCH IN 3-2 LOSS IN AMARILLO

Mar 18, 2011

 

AMARILLO, TX- Mitch Rogge scored two power-play goals as the Amarillo Bulls came-from-behind in the third period to knock off the Corpus Christi IceRays, 3-2, at the Cal Farley Coliseum on Saturday night.  With the win Amarillo improves to 35-13-6 (76 points) while the ‘Rays fall to 18-33-4 (40 points).  Corpus Christi is now winless in their last six games.

 

Cody Milligan scored his second goal in three games in addition to his second fight in as many nights.  Michael Benedict matched his jersey number with his 24th goal of the season.

 

Unlike the previous four meetings between the two clubs, the Amarillo Bulls hopped on the scoreboard first on the power play.  Karl Beckman’s shot from the point was redirected by Mitch Rogge (11) past Pheonix Copley at the 3:28 mark of the first period.  With Amarillo leading 1-0, Corpus Christi responded just over one minute later when Petr Stloukal’s shot was kicked out to Michael Benedict (24) who beat Nikifor Szczerba under the crossbar while his stick was knocked out of his hands simultaneously to tie the game at 1-1.  With tempers flaring after the goal, Chance Creger took on Taylor Ward in a long, entertaining bout at the 5:02 mark.  The IceRays took the lead, 2-1, after sustained offensive zone pressure left Cody Milligan (6) all alone on the doorstep to slide a shot into the back of the net at the 18:10 mark of the period.  Brandon Marshall had the assist.  Milligan was not done though as he immediately fought John Rey on the ensuing neutral-zone faceoff.  Both combatants landed punches, but it was Rey who received a game misconduct for throwing punches when both were on the ice and then excessively celebrating. Shots were even at seven for each team.

 

The second period went scoreless and without a fight.  Corpus Christi had two power-play opportunities in the period, but could not convert.  Amarillo outshot Corpus Christi, 14-10.

 

In the third, Rogge (12) scored his second power-play goal when his shot beat Copley glove-side from the right-wing boards at the 3:47 mark to tie the game at 2-2.  The Bulls got the game-winning goal from T.J. Sarcona (10), 13:10 into the frame, after a scramble in front of the IceRays’ net.  Corpus Christi had some opportunities late in the game to get the equalizer, but could not extend the game to overtime.  Final shots were 31-23 for Amarillo.  The Bulls were 2-4 on the power play while the IceRays went 0-4.

 

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:

  1. Mitch Rogge (2-0-2)
  2. T.J. Sarcona (GWG)
  3. Karl Beckman (0-2-2)

 

The IceRays conclude their last road trip of the season and the season series against Amarillo on Sunday March 20th when they meet the Bulls at 6:00 PM. Fans can catch the pre-game show on the flagship home of the IceRays, News/Talk 1440 KEYS, www.1440KEYS.com, with the voice of the IceRays, Ryan Holt, beginning at 5:45 PM.  The game will be available online through the league’s pay-per-view website, www.fasthockey.com.  For more information call the Rays’ front office at 361.814.PUCK (7825) or crash the net at www.goicerays.com.

 

                    “THE NEW ICERAYS…TOMORROW’S STARS”