Chase Field and Carl Diagostino Record Goal and Assist Each
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (0-1-0) drop the opening game of the exhibition series to the Shreveport Mudbugs (1-0-0) by a final score of 4-3 Thursday night at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum.
It was an eager start to the preseason for both sides, which went back and forth through the opening 20 minutes. Shreveport started the scoring less than two minutes in after a fortuitous bounce off the end boards fell into the crease, where Anthony Brereton stuffed it home to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead.
The IceRays responded well and earned a power play for their efforts. Despite not cashing in on the man advantage, Corpus Christi kept the pressure on, and Carl Diagostino was the beneficiary of a loose puck in front to tie the game at 1-1 just as the Mudbugs penalty expired. Shreveport quickly answered on a sweet backdoor pass to Dean Broadbent, who restored the Mudbugs lead at 2-1.
Corpus Christi returned the favor with less than five minutes remaining in the period when Aiden Menor scored on a beautiful deflection during a power play to bring the IceRays back even at 2-2. The tie was short-lived, however, as Shreveport answered 46 seconds later on a tap-in from Ryan Baert to take a 3-2 lead into the first intermission.
A late first-period penalty against Corpus Christi gave the Mudbugs a power play to open the second, and Chase Blanchard cashed in to extend the lead to 4-2.
The IceRays began to settle in and continued to push back. Eventually, 2008-born forward Chase Field broke in with speed against a backpedaling Mudbugs defense and slid the puck home for his first goal of the preseason, cutting the deficit to 4-3. He finished the night with a goal and an assist.
Shreveport peppered the IceRays with 29 shots through 40 minutes, but Corpus Christi kept the deficit to one heading into the third period. Goaltenders Giuliano Al Asmar and Jacob Kiemeg split the net-minding duties for Corpus Christi Thursday night.
The intensity ramped up in the final 20 minutes as Corpus Christi searched for an equalizer. Defenseman Charlie Windwer had the best opportunity early when he hit the post in the opening two minutes. Field and Diagostino also had quality chances but were denied by Jack Greenwell in the Shreveport net.
The Mudbugs goaltender cleaned up multiple mistakes by his teammates to keep the IceRays trailing. Greenwell finished with 17 saves and proved to be the difference as Shreveport held on for a 4-3 victory in Game 1 of the exhibition series.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays and Mudbugs square off for game two of the three game set tomorrow night at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. Puck drop is set for 7:11 CT p.m. Tune in to the game on NATV for FREE. Pregame show stars 15 minutes before puck drop.
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OPENING WEEKEND
The action all culminates with Home Opening Weekend on September 11 and 12, presented by Hilliard Law. The IceRays will host the El Paso Rhinos on Friday and Saturday at the Hilliard Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights.
The first 1,500 fans through the doors on Friday will receive an IceRays Schedule Magnet, while the first 1,500 fans on Saturday will take home an IceRays Rally Towel.
Opening Weekend tickets are ON SALE NOW at https://www.ticketmaster.com/corpus-christi-icerays-tickets/artist/841448
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.
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