ICERAYS FIGHT BACK, FALL IN SHOOTOUT, 4-3 (1-0)

Sep 19, 2014

BLAINE, MINN. – The Corpus Christi IceRays come from behind to force overtime but eventually fall to the Keystone Ice Miners, 4-3 (1-0 shootout), in the fourth and final game of the North American Hockey League Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. The IceRays are now 0-12 in shootouts under Head Coach John Becanic.

The first period was very quiet, with neither team recording a penalty for the first time in a period in the 2014-15 campaign. The Ice Miners would take the early lead at 2:26 when forward Matt Jones found twine on a shot from the far circle on IceRays netminder Andrew Lindgren. A couple chances for the IceRays to tie the game in that frame, with two of them ringing off the post. IceRays led in shots 10-7 after the first period.

The second period didn’t start well for the IceRays, giving up a shorthanded goal to forward Jon Hall at 3:05 on their first power play chance to give the Ice Miners a 2-0 lead. The IceRays fought back and cut the deficit at 5:01 to one, 2-1, when forward Brad LeLievre took a chance from the near side point and found some help from a Connor Bucsis screen. Forward Wes Michaud was awarded the lone assist. Then, at 11:34, forward Tanner Lomsnes surged ahead on a breakaway and slipped the puck by Ice Miners netminder Alex Blackenburg to tie the game, 2-2.

The Ice Miners pushed ahead in the third period when Brendan Jaquay gave Keystone a 3-2 lead. Michaud evened the scoreline, 3-3, at 10:20 on the power play to force the second overtime of the season. Jack Jenson and Joe Chitwood were awarded assists. After overtime, both teams went to a shootout, but Jaquay would come away the hero, scoring the lone goal in the second round.

Lindgren (2-0-2) earned the shootout loss, saving 23 of 26 shots, and Blackenburg (2-1-1) earns the win, stopping 21 of the 24 shots he faced. The IceRays return back home to the American Bank Center on Saturday, September 27 for their home opener against the Lone Star Brahmas. Opening faceoff is at 7:05 p.m. with coverage beginning at 6:50 p.m. on SportsJuice.com and FASTHockey.com with Countdown to Faceoff.

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).