IceRays Struggle to Generate Offense against Stingy Brahmas
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (6–9–1) dropped their third straight game in a 4–1 loss to the Lone Star Brahmas (12–1–3) on Friday night at the Nytex Sports Centre. It marks their second three-game losing streak of the season. The IceRays mustered just 17 shots in the contest.
“We didn’t generate enough sustained pressure tonight,” said IceRays Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “Lone Star is a disciplined team, and when you give them momentum early, they make you pay. We need to be sharper, especially in the offensive zone, and find a way to bounce back tomorrow.”
The opening segment flew by as both teams skated well while searching for the first goal. The Brahmas hoped to break through on the night’s first power play, but the IceRays successfully killed off Jack MacKenzie’s tripping minor. However, just two seconds after his release from the penalty box, Brahmas defenseman Denver Damphousse opened the scoring to make it 1–0 Brfahmas. The lead was short-lived as Corpus Christi responded 37 seconds later with Easton Swift’s third goal of the season through traffic.
With the game tied, the South Division’s top offense struck twice more in just over a minute. Goals from Vincenzo Capano and Christian Venticinque gave Lone Star a 3–1 lead heading into the first intermission.
The second period was quiet offensively, with both teams combining for only nine shots. Even so, the Brahmas extended their lead in the opening minute when Anthony Capello one-timed a pass from Camden Prier off the post and in, making it 4–1. That would be the period’s only goal, and both teams failed to convert on their lone power-play opportunities.
The NAHL’s stingiest defensive team shut down the IceRays in the final frame, allowing just four shots. IceRays goaltender Vlad Bryzgalov faced a period-high 12 shots, turning them all aside and finishing with 22 saves in the loss. At the other end, Nick Rempel stopped 16 shots to secure his sixth consecutive win as the Brahmas took the series opener, 4–1.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays wrap up the series with the Brahmas tomorrow night at the Nytex Sports Centre with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tune into the game live on NAHLTV or listen on the Retro Radio CC app! Pregame show kicks off 15 minutes before the game.
NEXT HOME SERIES
The IceRays return to the Hilliard Center for Ice Out Hunger weekend when we host the New Mexico Ice Wolves for a pair of games. The series kicks off on Friday, November 28, and wraps up on Saturday, November 29, with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. both nights.
Ice Out Hunger presented by HEB is a chance for the IceRays and our fans to give back to the Coastal Bend community. Fans that bring in five canned goods will receive one free ticket to the game. All donations will benefit the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
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 an entertainment complex owned by the city of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group with OVG Hospitality. The complex is in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas and consists of an arena, auditorium, and convention center. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events. Located directly on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay downtown, Hilliard Center is flexible for any group offering complimentary Wi-Fi and premium food and beverage options.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
