CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays (25-15-2-3) play another close, physical game against the Lone Star Brahmas (37-12-1-0) but come out on top with a 2-1 win on Saturday night from the American Bank Center.
The IceRays jumped out with physicality and energy from the start of the game, and that momentum helped continue them to the game’s first goal on their first power play. IceRays forward Brad Power flew into the offensive end and found forward Cole Gammer waiting on the back door for a one-timer at 7:34 to take a 1-0 lead. The IceRays nearly had a 2-0 lead in the opening frame at 8:16, but forward Garrett Hallford’s goal from the left point was disallowed due to goaltender interference.
Possession flipped to the Brahmas side in the opening portion of the second period, and their eventual persistence was rewarded in the back half of the frame. Brahmas forward Julian Biondo tapped in a rebound to the left of the IceRays netminder at 12:40 to tie the game, 1-1. The IceRays answered back quickly for the second-straight night. On their third power play, IceRays forward Griffin Loughran jammed home a bouncing puck on the back door of the goaltender at 15:08 to edge back ahead, 2-1.
The Brahmas put on the pressure in the third period to tie the game for the second time, outshooting the IceRays 12-2 through the final frame. However, strong defensive work kept the Brahmas at bay, and a late power play helped ensure the 2-1 victory for the IceRays and three of four points on the weekend.
IceRays netminder Camden Burggrabe (9-4-1) earned the win, shutting down 31 of 32 shots, while Brahmas goaltender Max Prawdzik (6-2-0) picked up the loss, halting 20 of 22 shots. The IceRays begin the final weekend of the eight-game home stand on Friday, March 3 at 7:05 p.m. from the American Bank Center to open a two-game set against the Wichita Falls Wildcats. Tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office and Ticketmaster.com. Coverage begins at 6:50 p.m. on SportsJuice.com, Hockey TV and 87.7FM.
Join the IceRays in their push for the 2017 Robertson Cup Playoffs and pick up an 8-game or reduced season ticket plan! Reserve yours by contacting the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Snapchat (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
