Chayse Laurie Records His First Goal of the Season for Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (6-2-0) dropped the series opener against the El Paso Rhinos (2-6-2) by a final score of 2-1 Saturday night at the Hilliard Center.
The opening 20 minutes were a low-event affair, with both teams combining for just 11 shots on goal. The only goal of the period came five minutes in, when Rhinos forward Raphael Laviolette redirected a shot on an El Paso power play to give the Rhinos a 1-0 lead. Corpus Christi struggled to find its rhythm early and was unable to capitalize on a power-play opportunity of its own. Luke Brassil started in net for El Paso and faced just five shots in the opening frame.
The IceRays came out with more jump to start the second period and found the equalizer on a centering pass from Liam McGuern to Chayse Laurie, who drove the net and poked the puck past Brassil to even the score at 1-1. Both teams continued to play a structured game, limiting quality scoring chances and keeping the contest tight. El Paso was unable to convert on its lone power play of the period, and the teams headed into the second intermission deadlocked at one.
The third period opened with both sides searching for the go-ahead goal, but a penalty to El Paso gave Corpus Christi its second power-play opportunity of the night. Instead, a costly turnover by the IceRays created a shorthanded breakaway for Alexi Gregoire. Griffin Wright turned aside Gregoire’s initial attempt, but Charlie Turner collected the rebound and flipped it into the net to give the Rhinos a 2-1 lead with their first shorthanded goal of the season.
The game took another turn in the final 10 minutes when back-to-back penalties against Corpus Christi gave El Paso a two-man advantage with an opportunity to extend its lead. Wright came up with two big saves to keep the deficit at one and give the IceRays a chance to respond. A subsequent penalty to the Rhinos shifted momentum back to Corpus Christi, providing the IceRays with another power-play opportunity to find the equalizer. However, El Paso threatened again while shorthanded, as Turner broke free and rang a shot off the post behind Wright.
Corpus Christi continued to press on the man advantage, and Oliver Czaja found a cutting Michael Azzarone, whose shot struck the post behind Brassil just before the penalty expired. Despite the late pressure and several close calls, the IceRays couldn’t find the equalizer.
Corpus Christi pulled Wright for the extra attacker in the closing moments, but Brassil and the Rhinos held firm to secure a 2-1 victory over the IceRays.
UP NEXT
The IceRays wrap up the series with the Rhinos tomorrow evening on Sunday, October 11, with a 4:05 p.m. puck drop. Doors open at 3:00 p.m. It’s Sunday Funday! Grab your Family Four Pack for $40: four tickets, four corn dogs, and four souvenir cups. Purchase online at 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.
