Nick Sinani’s Two Shorthanded Goals Fuels IceRays Offense
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — For the second consecutive season, the Corpus Christi IceRays (28-21-6) clinched a Robertson Cup Playoff berth with a 6-2 victory over the Lone Star Brahmas (37-12-5) on Saturday night at the Nytex Sports Centre. It marks the first time Corpus Christi has made the postseason in back-to-back seasons since 2018 and 2019.
“That was a complete response from our group,” said IceRays head coach Kevin St. Jacques. “We talked about starting fast after last night, and the guys executed right away. Our special teams were a difference-maker, and I thought our compete level stayed high all game. It’s a big moment clinching a playoff spot, but we’re not satisfied—we’re building toward something bigger.”
The IceRays got off to a picture-perfect start, scoring just 27 seconds into the game on their first shot as Colin Watson netted his fourth goal of the season. After being shut out the night before, the early tally provided an immediate boost. Corpus Christi kept the momentum rolling, doubling the lead when Andrej Paricka deflected a shot from defenseman Lucas Hihn to make it 2-0. The goal marked Paricka’s team-leading 16th of the season.
Despite taking the game’s first penalty, the IceRays extended their lead while shorthanded. Nick Sinani capitalized on a Lone Star miscue, scoring his third shorthanded goal of the year to give Corpus Christi a commanding 3-0 advantage.
Lone Star responded late on the same power play, as Gustav Lexell found the back of the net to cut the deficit to 3-1. The IceRays maintained their two-goal cushion heading into the first intermission.
The Brahmas carried that momentum into the second period, quickly narrowing the gap to 3-2 after their leading scorer beat IceRays goaltender Gavin Melcher. However, Corpus Christi answered less than a minute later, as Paricka buried a rebound for his second goal of the night to restore a 4-2 lead.
Lone Star pressed hard in the middle frame, but Melcher stood tall, turning aside several quality chances to keep the IceRays in control. Another Brahmas power play provided an opportunity to climb back into the game, but Sinani struck again while shorthanded—his second of the night—to extend the lead to 5-2. Nine different IceRays recorded a point, including multi-point performances from Sinani, Watson, and Paricka.
Corpus Christi remained in control in the third period, adding an insurance goal from Jonathan Cifaldi on his eighth of the season to make it 6-2 for their largest lead of the night. Melcher stood tall the rest of the way, finishing with 29 saves on 31 shots to earn his third win of the season. The IceRays closed the door on Lone Star to secure a weekend split with a convincing 6-2 victory.
ICERAYS FINAL HOME SERIES MARCH 27 & 28
Corpus Christi will host the El Paso Rhinos for the final home series of the 2025-26 regular season at the Hilliard Center. The IceRays are celebrating the best fans in the NAHL during their two games on Friday and Saturday. Puck drop is 7:05 p.m. both nights. Don’t miss out on prizes, giveaways, and more!
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.
