IceRays Trim Roster as September 1 Deadline Approaches
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays closed out their three-game exhibition series against the Shreveport Mudbugs on a high note Saturday night, earning a 4-2 victory at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum.
After dropping the first two games of the series in Shreveport, the IceRays responded with a strong effort in the finale to finish the weekend with a win and carry momentum into the final stages of their preseason preparations.
Corpus Christi opened the scoring on the power play from returning defenseman Nikita Konevych who had a strong game for the IceRays which included an assist on the game-winning goal. After falling behind in the second, the IceRays started their rally in the third with a goal from forward Jacob Wingfield six minutes in.
Forward Michael Sandruck followed with another goal on the man-advantage, giving Corpus Christi a two-goal cushion as the team continued to battle through the final stages of the game.
Goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov was instrumental in securing the victory, turning aside 31 shots in the IceRays defensive effort. Bryzgalov came up with several key saves throughout the game to keep Corpus Christi in front as Shreveport pushed to get back into the contest.
With Shreveport’s net empty in the closing minutes, Charles Norris III sealed the victory with an empty-net goal to make it 4-2.
“It was a good response from our group,” said IceRays head coach Nick Skerlick. “We weren’t happy with the way the first two games went, but that’s part of what exhibition is about. We challenged the guys to be better, and I thought we saw a lot more compete, a lot more structure and a lot more commitment to playing the right way tonight.”
The victory capped a valuable three-game exhibition series for the IceRays, providing the coaching staff with an opportunity to evaluate players and establish the foundation of the roster ahead of the regular season.
ICERAYS MAKE SECOND ROUND OF ROSTER CUTS
The IceRays also continued shaping their roster during the trip to Shreveport, making their second round of roster cuts following Friday night’s second exhibition game.
Corpus Christi traveled to Shreveport with 42 players and released 16 players following Game 2. The moves bring the IceRays current roster to 28 players, consisting of 16 forwards, nine defensemen and three goaltenders.
“The hard part of this time of year is making those decisions,” added Skerlick. “We had a big group in Shreveport, and every player had an opportunity to show us what they could do. We’re getting closer to our opening roster, and now it’s about continuing to put the right pieces together and creating competition within the group.”
The IceRays will also welcome a pair of forwards to the group as preseason preparations continue.
Corpus Christi acquired Willem Kerr in a trade last week, adding another forward to the roster. The IceRays will also welcome Oliver Czaja, who appeared in 30 games in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) last season.
The additions of Kerr and Czaja will provide additional competition and depth as the IceRays continue to finalize their roster for the upcoming season.
The weekend in Shreveport provided Corpus Christi with an important opportunity to evaluate the team’s personnel in game situations. The IceRays will now turn their attention toward the start of the regular season as preparations continue in Corpus Christi.
OPENING WEEKEND
The action all culminates with Home Opening Weekend on September 11 and 12, presented by Hilliard Law. The IceRays will host the El Paso Rhinos on Friday and Saturday at the Hilliard Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights.
The first 1,500 fans through the doors on Friday will receive an IceRays Schedule Magnet, while the first 1,500 fans on Saturday will take home an IceRays Rally Towel.
Opening Weekend tickets are ON SALE NOW at https://www.ticketmaster.com/corpus-christi-icerays-tickets/artist/841448
Follow Every IceRays Game on NATV
IceRays fans can get ready for the 2026-27 season by subscribing to NATV and choosing the Corpus Christi IceRays as their favorite team.
With an NATV subscription, fans can take in every IceRays home and away game throughout the 2026-27 season, making it easier than ever to follow the team wherever the season takes them.
Subscribe to NATV today by clicking this link: https://www.nahltv.com/plans.
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.
