IceRays Look to Close Gap with New Mexico in Standings
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (20-17-4, 44 PTS) return home to the Hilliard Center on a three-game winless skid with hope to bounce back against the New Mexico Ice Wolves (23-15-3, 49 PTS) in a special themed series.
BROADCAST / GAME INFORMATION
Festivities kick off Friday night with Healthcare Appreciation Night at the Hilliard Center where all healthcare professionals and their families (up to four tickets) get in free with a valid ID at the box office.
The weekend caps off with Stars and Stripes Night presented by the U.S.S Lexington Museum and IBEW 270. Free tickets for Veterans, Active-Duty Military, First Responders and their families (up to four tickets) with ID at the box office. The IceRays will be wearing a specialty jersey on Saturday to highlight the event. All game worn jerseys will be available at a live online auction. For more information visit goicerays.com.
Puck drop on Friday and Saturday is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. Fans can watch the games on NATV or listen live on Retro Radio Corpus Christi by downloading the Retro Radio Corpus Christi app. Join the “Voice of the IceRays,” Joey Erickson, all weekend long. Pregame coverage on both NATV and Retro Radio Corpus Christi begins 15 minutes prior to puck drop.
CLOSE THE GAP
The IceRays failed to make up any ground on El Paso or New Mexico last weekend after being swept by the Rhinos. Corpus Christi remains in fourth place with 44 points making this a big opportunity for the IceRays to pull closer with New Mexico in third with 49 points. Just 18 games remain in the regular season for Corpus Christi to cement a top six spot in the South Division to make the postseason. The IceRays are attempting to make the Robertson Cup Playoffs in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2018 and 2019.
FEAR THE STING
Corpus Christi has found plenty of success against New Mexico in the organizations history since the Ice Wolves joined the NAHL in 2019-20. The IceRays have a 22-15-7 all-time record in 44 games versus New Mexico including winning the last six games at home. New Mexico has dropped four of the six meetings this year, with the IceRays having the upper hand on special teams going 4-for-13 on the man-advantage opposed to New Mexico being 1-for-9.
FAMILIER FACES
With the trade deadline and roster freeze coming this afternoon, the IceRays are putting the finishing touches on their roster. Two moves this week include the returns of forwards Colin Watson and Cooper Conway.
Watson was acquired from the Rochester Jr. Americans where he recorded three points in 13 games out east. He accumulated 21 points in 51 games last season with the Corpus Christi while adding a physical presence at 6-foot-4, 220-pounds.
Conway returns from the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL where he posted 21 points in 32 games. The Minnesota native put up big numbers with the IceRays last season putting up 55 points in 56 games while leading the team in assists.
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.
