ICERAYS HELD OFF BY BLIZZARD IN 2-1 LOSS

Sep 23, 2016

BLAINE, MINN. – The Corpus Christi IceRays (2-3-0-1) were held at bay in the third period, falling 2-1 to the Brookings Blizzard (2-0-0-1) on Friday afternoon at Schwan Super Rink 2 on Day 3 of the 2016 NAHL Showcase.

The opening period became a special teams battle from early on with eight combined power plays through the opening 20 minutes, and both teams cashed in on one of their respective opportunities. At 13:04, Blizzard forward Paul Cotter notched the opening goal of the contest from the high slot on a 5-on-4 power play to take the 1-0 lead. On a later 4-on-3 power play, the IceRays tied the game, 1-1, thanks to a jam in the goal crease and a poke in by forward David Thomson for his league-leading fourth power play goal at 17:31.

The rest of the game only saw a combined three penalties for both sides, and the eventual game-winning goal came outside of man-advantages. At 2:26 of the second period, Blizzard forward Zach Mitchell just beat by the sliding goaltender to sneak in the game’s third and final goal early on in that frame. While Brookings took control of the second period, the IceRays pressed back in the third period, outshooting the Blizzard 13-5 in the final frame. However, despite their best efforts including a late 6-on-5 with the netminder pulled, the Blizzard held on to sink the IceRays 2-1.

Blizzard goaltender Josh Boyko (1-0-1) picked up the win, stopping 33 of 34 shots, while IceRays netminder Tomáš Vomáčka (2-3-1) was saddled with the loss, turning away 30 of 32 shots faced. The IceRays close the 2016 NAHL Showcase on Saturday, Sep. 24 at 9:30 a.m. against the New Jersey Titans at Schwan Super Rink 1. Coverage begins at 9:25 a.m. exclusively on FASTHockey.com.

The IceRays open the 2016-17 home schedule on Friday, Oct. 14 against the Odessa Jackalopes at the American Bank Center. Purchase your 2016-17 season ticket membership ahead of opening night! Reserve yours by contacting the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Vine (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).