IceRays and Rhinos Meet as Standings Tighten
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — After taking three of four points last weekend, the Corpus Christi IceRays (20-15-4, 4th) wrap up the month of January on the road against the El Paso Rhinos (20-14-6, 3rd) at the El Paso County Event Center in El Paso, Texas.
BROADCAST / GAME INFORMATION
Puck drop for both games on Friday, January 30, and Saturday, January 31, is scheduled for 8:00 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.
OBJECTS ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR
The IceRays perfect run to start the new year ended in heartbreak with an overtime loss to Odessa, but Corpus Christi made up significant ground in the standings. This weekend marks the beginning of a crucial stretch, as the IceRays face El Paso and New Mexico in four games against teams currently sitting third and second in the South Division, respectively.
With 44 points on the season, the IceRays trail the Rhinos by two points and the Ice Wolves by three. With 20 games remaining in the regular season, Corpus Christi remains firmly in a playoff position.
MOVING SWIFTLY
West Hartford, Connecticut, native Easton Swift has recorded three goals and five points in his last five games. Two of his three goals have been overtime winners, including his most recent tally against the Jackalopes in a 5-4 victory last Friday at home.
Swift’s three game-winning goals this season are tied with rookie forward Chase Nehring. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound forward has impressed with his strong two-way play and ability to contribute in all situations.
HIHN IS FINE
Lucas Hihn picked up the first two goals of his NAHL career in the IceRays series opener against Odessa last Friday. The first-year defenseman has added to his 10 assists this season, bringing his total to 12 points in 34 games.
Hihn continues to establish himself as a key piece on the IceRays blue line as the team prepares for a playoff push. The Burlington, Ontario, native is one of three Gilmour Academy alumni on the roster, alongside Johnny Maruna and Nick Sinani.
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.
