IceRays Complete Third Series Sweep of Season in Houston
RICHMOND, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (9-4-0) stunned the Houston Bulls (3-8-1) Saturday night, earning a dramatic 4-3 victory at the sold-out Deep South Arena. Oliver Czaja delivered the decisive blow, scoring his ninth goal of the season with just 61 seconds remaining in regulation to secure the weekend sweep and send the IceRays home with another win.
“Our guys showed a lot of character tonight, said head coach Nick Skerlick.” We faced adversity early, battled through a tough game, and found a way to get the job done when it mattered most. Bryzgalov came up with some huge saves on the penalty kill, and our guys stayed committed to the game plan. Oliver made a great play at the end, but this was a team win from start to finish.”
Houston came out firing, scoring on its first shot of the game. Lukas Yeck found the back of the net just 17 seconds into the contest to give the Bulls an early 1-0 lead. Corpus Christi responded quickly, however, as Michael Azzarone broke free on a breakaway and scored less than two minutes later to tie the game at 1-1. Azzarone finished the weekend with goals in consecutive games.
The opening period featured a relentless pace, with both teams trading odd-man rushes and quality scoring chances. The goaltending matchup between Corpus Christi’s Vladislav Bryzgalov and Houston’s Eddie Gatch proved equally impressive, as both netminders turned aside more than 20 shots in a hard-fought contest.
The IceRays struck next, capitalizing on a delayed penalty against Houston. Chayse Laurie found defenseman Makar Kultuklu in the right circle, where Kultuklu fired a short-side shot past Gatch to give Corpus Christi a 2-1 lead. It was Kultuklu’s second goal in as many games.
The second period brought no shortage of opportunities, but neither team could find the finishing touch. Corpus Christi generated several dangerous looks on the power play, including backdoor chances that narrowly missed connecting. Forward Willem Kerr also came close, ringing a shot off the crossbar behind Gatch.
Houston eventually made the IceRays pay for their missed opportunities. Taking advantage of one of five power-play chances on the night, Andrej Tomasec scored his first goal of the season at the 7:36 mark to even the score at 2-2. The teams remained deadlocked through 40 minutes.
Corpus Christi regained the lead early in the third period after Houston defenseman Ethan McKay was called for tripping Di Chiara. Despite a slow start to the power play, the IceRays converted when Anthony Pedalino fired a wrist shot past Gatch to make it 3-2. The goal was Pedalino’s second of the season and his first since Sept. 18 in El Paso.
The Bulls answered shortly afterward. Houston attacked with numbers, and Isiah Castro beat Bryzgalov to tie the game at 3-3. The goal shifted momentum toward the home side, which earned a power-play opportunity soon after in search of its first lead of the night.
Bryzgalov delivered when the IceRays needed him most, making two crucial saves during the penalty kill to preserve the tie. Another Corpus Christi penalty sent the IceRays back shorthanded, but the New Jersey native stood tall once again, helping his team finish a perfect 4-for-4 on the penalty kill. He finished the night with 25 saves.
Houston continued to apply pressure as the clock wound down, limiting Corpus Christi’s opportunities at the other end. But with just 61 seconds remaining, the IceRays found the breakthrough.
Czaja collected a loose puck behind Gatch’s net and completed a backhand wraparound, slipping the puck into the net to give Corpus Christi a stunning 4-3 lead. His ninth goal of the season proved to be the game-winner, capping a dramatic finish in front of a sold-out Deep South Arena.
A late penalty against Houston further complicated the Bulls push for an equalizer, and the IceRays held on to complete the weekend sweep with a thrilling road victory.
NEXT SERIES
The IceRays host the Lone Star Brahmas over Halloween weekend in a two-game series at the Hilliard Center. The series kicks off on Friday, October 30, and concludes on Saturday, October 31. Join the IceRays for Stick or Treat on Saturday where the IceRays will wear themed jerseys on Halloween night. Get your tickets today on TicketMaster or visit goicerays.com for more information. Puck drop is set for 7:05 p.m CT both nights.
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.
