Corpus Christi Extends Skid Against El Paso to Seven Games
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (28-22-6, 62 pts) dropped the series opener to the El Paso Rhinos (32-18-6) by a final score of 5-2 at the Hilliard Center on Friday night. The loss marks the seventh straight defeat to El Paso this season.
“We didn’t start the way we needed to, and against a team like El Paso, that’s going to hurt you,” said IceRays Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “I liked our response in the third period, we showed some fight, but we have to bring that urgency from the opening puck drop if we want a different result tomorrow.”
In a blink, the Rhinos stormed out to a 3-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes of the first period. El Paso forward Raphael Laviollete slipped a shot past IceRays netminder Gavin Melcher just over a minute into the game to make it 1-0. Mistakes began to pile up for Corpus Christi, and the Rhinos capitalized moments later when Gage Giblin found space in front and doubled the lead.
El Paso struck again on the power play, as Ethan Woolcott deflected home the third goal to give the Rhinos a commanding early advantage. Melcher was pulled after allowing three goals on nine shots, finishing with six saves. Xander Miceli entered in relief and stopped all six shots he faced, helping the IceRays hold the deficit at three after the opening frame.
Corpus Christi generated strong offensive pressure in the second period but could not solve Rhino’s goaltender Michael Modelski, who turned aside all 14 shots he faced in the middle frame. El Paso extended its lead to 4-0 on another power play tally, this time from Kamden Kaiser, who notched his 18th goal with the man advantage this season.
The IceRays showed life in the third period, pushing to cut into the deficit. Justin Thibault put Corpus Christi on the board five minutes in, burying a rebound for his 11th goal of the season. Jack Mackenzie followed shortly after, snapping a wrist shot past Modelski on a two-on-one rush to bring the IceRays within two at 4-2.
However, just as Corpus Christi threatened to make things interesting with the extra attacker, El Paso’s leading scorer Troy Hunk weaved through multiple defenders and fired a shot past Miceli to seal the 5-2 victory for the Rhinos.
The IceRays now hand on to fourth place in the South Division by just one point as the Shreveport Mudbugs defeat the Amarillo Wranglers 5-2. The Mudbugs and IceRays are in a battle for home ice-advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays play their final home game of the regular season tomorrow night against the Rhinos at the Hilliard Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. The first 1,000 fans get a team poster upon entry when the doors open at 6:00 p.m. CT. An autograph session will take place with IceRays players and staff after the game concludes.
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW!
Tickets start at just $5 for the final home games. 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.
