NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays were brought down by the Lone Star Brahmas, 3-2, in a very physical game at the NYTEX Sports Center in North Richland Hills, Texas. Both teams combined for 97 penalty minutes, the most for the IceRays this season.
The Brahmas would strike first in the opening frame at 11:04. After IceRays forward Ryan Cusin was called for slashing, Brahmas forward Sebastian Vidmar walked through the offensive zone into the slot and fired a shot over IceRays goaltender Luke Pickar to open the scoring, 1-0. The Brahmas would add another in the period at 11:58 when forward Hunter Stanley knocked a top shelf shot in to open the scoreline, 2-0. 13 penalties were called between both teams just in that frame.
No score would come about in the second period, but the IceRays answered at 2:50 of the third period. Forward Tanner Lomsnes cut the deficit in half, 2-1, on the power play caused by a Andy Madej roughing call. Forward Wes Michaud and defenseman Anthony Cortese picked up the assists. Forward Nic LaBurn became the hero for the IceRays at 16:12 of the third period by knocking in a shot from a blind pass by Lomsnes to tie the game, 2-2. Cortese also picked up an assist.
The game went to overtime, and Vidmar would tuck in the game-winner at 0:42 into overtime with a wrap-around by Pickar to seal the victory. The IceRays outshot the Brahmas 21-17 and went 1-for-7 on the power play, while the Brahmas went 1-for-9. Pickar (1-2-1) picked up the overtime loss, stopping 14 of 17 shots, and Brahmas goaltender TJ Black (2-3-0) earned the win, saving 19 of 21 shots.
The IceRays return to action on Saturday, October 11 when they finish their two-game set against the Lone Star Brahmas. Coverage begins with Countdown to Faceoff at 7:15 p.m. on the IceRays flagship station, SportsRadio Corpus Christi, and opening faceoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.
The IceRays return home on Friday, October 17 against the South Division-leading Topeka RoadRunners at 7:05 p.m. from the American Bank Center. Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for season and individual ticket details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com. Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), and YouTube (IceRays TV).
