Easton Swift Collects Multi-Goal Game in IceRays Fourth Straight Win
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (24-18-5, 4th) finished off a sweep of the Oklahoma Warriors (21-19-4) by a final score of 5-2 Saturday night at the Blazers Ice Centre marking the first sweep in the Sooner state since 2021. Easton Swift scored two goals in the final period and Xander Miceli made 33 saves in the win.
“I loved our composure tonight, said Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques.” That was a playoff-type game, tight, physical, and emotional, and our guys stuck with it. We bent at times but didn’t break. The response in the third period and the way we closed it out says a lot about the maturity of this group.”
A highly competitive first period kicked off the finale in Oklahoma, with the Warriors holding the edge in shots through the first 10 minutes. Corpus Christi found its rhythm as the frame progressed and began peppering Warrior’s goaltender Billy Stuski, finishing the period with 12 shots on goal.
The first blemish the netminder came following matching penalties, leading to 4-on-4 play. Jack Mackenzie capitalized for Corpus Christi, giving the IceRays a 1-0 lead. Nick Sinani picked up the lone assist, pushing his career-high point total to 16 on Mackenzie’s sixth goal of the season.
Before the penalties expired, Oklahoma responded with an even-strength tally of its own. Trace Day made a slick move to tie the game at 1-1, netting his second goal of the weekend. A late power play for the IceRays generated a flurry of chances, but Stuski stood tall to keep Corpus Christi from reclaiming the lead heading into the intermission.
The intensity carried into the second period, with neither side willing to give an inch. Corpus Christi came up empty on two power-play opportunities, followed by another stretch of 4-on-4 play — but this time, the IceRays capitalized. Nick Sinani picked the pocket of a Warriors defenseman behind the net, stepped out in front, and fired a shot past Billy Stuski for his 11th goal of the season, giving Corpus Christi a 2-1 lead.
Midway through the period, a penalty on the IceRays gave Oklahoma a prime chance to even the score. After Alexandr Skuratov missed on a shorthanded breakaway at one end, the Warriors converted in transition, setting up Ben Osiashvilli for the tying goal to make it 2-2.
Another Corpus Christi power play came and went before the horn, leaving the IceRays 0-for-4 with the man advantage through two periods.
Corpus Christi set the tone in the final 20 minutes, striking early as Easton Swift buried a turnaround wrist shot into the top corner to give the IceRays a 3-2 lead. From there, Corpus Christi clamped down on Oklahoma’s attack, stifling nearly every Warriors opportunity. Xander Miceli was stellar in net, turning aside 12 shots in the third period to secure his second consecutive victory.
Clinging to a one-goal lead in the final two minutes, Oklahoma pulled Billy Stuski for the extra attacker. Moments later, Swift knocked down a defender and fired the puck into the empty net to seal the win.
A frustrated Warriors squad took a penalty in the final minute, giving Corpus Christi one last power-play opportunity — and this time they capitalized. Alexandr Skuratov added the finishing touch, as the IceRays skated away with a 5-2 victory to complete the sweep in Oklahoma.
NEXT SERIES
The IceRays make their final trip to George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana, to finish off the six-game road trip next week. The Shreveport Mudbugs will host the IceRays Friday, February 27, and Saturday, February 28, with puck drop at 7:11 p.m. CT both nights. Watch the action live on NAHLtv or listen for free on the Retro Radio CC App!
NEXT HOME SERIES
- Win a Truck Promo – March 6th Game
- Presented by AutoNation Chevrolet South Corpus Christi
- Fans who purchase a ticket to the game by March 4th are automatically entered to be selected to win
- Season Tickets Holders are automatically entered
- Select Participants will be randomly selected and notified on March 5th
- Must be 18 years of Age to qualify
- STEM Night – March 7th Game
- Presented by Gulf Coast Growth Ventures
- Students wearing school spirit shirts get in FREE
- 1000 Fidget Giveaway Items
- Robotics Exhibition on the concourse
- Hands-On STEM Table
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW
Tickets start at just $5! Student and Active Military Tickets are available at the Hilliard Center Box Office with valid ID.
Grab yours now at www.goicerays.com, on Ticketmaster, or at the Hilliard Center box office
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.
