Defenseman Nick Evans Scores 1st Career Goal in Loss
BLAINE, MN — The Corpus Christi IceRays (2-2-0) came up just short on Thursday afternoon, falling by a final score of 2-1 to the Wisconsin Windigo (3-2-1) on day 2 of the NAHL Showcase. Despite a strong finish, the IceRays couldn’t find the equalizer, dropping back-to-back games for the first time this season.
Both teams came out fast, trading chances early, but goalies Xander Miceli (IceRays) and Max Kogler (Windigo) stood tall. An early penalty by Corpus Christi gave Wisconsin some momentum, but the IceRays’ penalty kill and Miceli kept the game scoreless through the first 20 minutes. Corpus was outshot in the opening frame leading to them being outshot for the fourth consecutive game.
In the second period, the IceRays found their breakthrough. A slick give-and-go between Grayson Gerhard and defenseman Nick Evans led to Evans firing home his first career NAHL goal, giving Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead. However, the advantage was short-lived — just over a minute later, Windigo forward Teddy Richardson tied it up. The turning point came midway through the period. After an IceRays penalty, Wisconsin was awarded a penalty shot during the man-advantage that Riley Joslin rang off the post. Still, the Windigo capitalized minutes later on a power play, with Ronnie Hill netting his second goal of the week to give Wisconsin a 2-1 lead after two.
In the third, the IceRays had multiple opportunities to tie it up, earning four power plays in the final frame. Despite sustained pressure which included a 6-on-4 advantage in the final minutes, the Windigo defense and goaltender Kogler held firm and slammed the door on Corpus Christi. The IceRays finished the game 0-for-6 on the power play as Wisconsin held on for a 2-1 win.
UP NEXT
The IceRays wrap up their showcase schedule tomorrow morning with a 9:00 AM puck drop against the Danbury Hat Tricks. Catch the action live on NAHLTV or tune in to Retro Radio CC, with pregame coverage starting at 8:45 AM.
UP NEXT AT HOME
The IceRays return to the Hilliard Center to host the Odessa Jackalopes on October 3rd and 4th. Both games start at 7:05 PM CT and can either be watched on NAHLTV or listened to on Retro Radio CC.
Tickets start at just $5 and are available now at goicerays.com or via Ticketmaster.
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 51st season in 2024-25, the NAHL, the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior league boasting 34 teams in 19 states from North American. For more information, visit the NAHL website at https://nahl.com/
About Hilliard Center: Hilliard Center is an entertainment complex owned by the city of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group with OVG Hospitality. The complex is in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas and consists of an arena, auditorium, and convention center. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events. Located directly on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay downtown, Hilliard Center is flexible for any group offering complimentary Wi-Fi and premium food and beverage options.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
