Corpus Christi, Texas – The Corpus Christi IceRays entered the weekend knowing they were in for a huge challenge against the top team in the NAHL South Division, the Lone Star Brahmas.
The IceRays were riding some momentum after pulling out a 5-4 victory over the Colorado Grit Sunday, March 3.
Unfortunately, Lone Star came out with a methodical style to grind out a scoreless first period before its offense went to work with two goals in the second period on their way to a 3-0 victory Friday night at American Bank Center.
Ivan Zadvernyuk, David Skuhrovec and Justin Kerr each scored goals for Lone Star.
The Brahmas controlled the contest early before taking a 2-0 advantage in the second period and adding some insurance in the third period.
“We made two mistakes, and the puck was in the back of our net,” IceRays Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier said. “When you play a great team like Lone Star, you can’t give them anything.”
Lone Star outshot Corpus Christi 26-13.
“We didn’t create anything, and they are solid defensively,” Cloutier said. “We need to be better tomorrow.”
Special teams, an area Cloutier knew would be an important area for the team’s chances to win, didn’t go the way he hoped.
The IceRays got their opportunities but were 0-for-3 on the power play, while Lone Star was 0-for-2 with neither team enjoying the man-advantage in the third period.
Corpus Christi is 2-5-0, 0SOL in its last seven games, 3-10-0, 0SOL in its last 13 contests and 7-13-0, 1SOL in its last 21 games.
Overall, the IceRays are 16-30-2, 3SOL for 37 points, in eighth place in the NAHL South Division, 10 points behind the Odessa Jackalopes for seventh, and 19 points behind the Oklahoma Warriors for sixth.
Lone Star is 39-10-3, 3SOL for 84 points and in first place in the NAHL South Division, 12 points ahead of the Shreveport Mudbugs.
The Brahmas are 7-0 against the IceRays, while Corpus Christi is now 0-6-0, 1SOL in the seven meetings.
After the two teams battled through a scoreless first period, Lone Star put together a pair of goals to take the lead in the second.
Zadvernyuk netted his 18th goal of the season at 1:06 of the second period.
Skuhrovec got his 11th goal at 15:18 gave the Brahmas a 2-0 lead after two periods.
Kerr added his 21st goal of the season at 18:28 to close out the scoring.
The two teams will go at it again Saturday night at 7:05 CST.
Super Hero Night Saturday
The IceRays will host their annual Super Hero night on Saturday.
We will be giving away IceRays theme badge reels for the first 750 fans at the door.
All medical professionals with a valid medical ID will get a free ticket for them and their family. Only redeemable at the box office.
You can watch the game on NAHL TV and listen on Brewster Street Radio.
For more information, visit goicerays.com.
