Corpus Christi Hosts Houston at Hilliard Center Friday, October 23
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (7-4-0, 14 points) are looking to bounce back this weekend as they prepare to face the Houston Bulls (3-5-1, 7 points) for the first time in organizational history. The two-game series features a home-and-home format, with the teams separated by just 194 miles.
GAME INFORMATION / BROADCAST
The series opens Friday, October 23, at the Hilliard Center, where the IceRays will host Hockey for Everyone Night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m., with doors opening at 6 p.m.
Secure your tickets for Friday night HERE.
The series shifts to Richmond, Texas, on Saturday, October 24, as the IceRays make their first trip to the Deep South Ice and Sports Complex. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:05 p.m., one hour earlier than Friday’s game.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
After relocating from Mason City, Iowa, the Houston Bulls joined the South Division as its ninth team for their inaugural season. As a new organization, Houston has faced the challenges of establishing itself in a new market, including opening its new home at the Deep South Arena last week.
Corpus Christi will become the first South Division opponent to visit the Bulls in Richmond this season, adding another first to this historic matchup.
Houston enters the weekend in eighth place in the South Division, with seven points through nine games. The Bulls will look to build momentum on home ice, while the IceRays aim to get back in the win column against their new divisional opponent.
VLAD IS BACK
IceRays goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov has returned to Corpus Christi after attending training camp with the Tulsa Oilers, an ECHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, on a tryout contract.
Bryzgalov’s return did not go as planned last Friday against the Shreveport Mudbugs, as the netminder suffered his first loss of the season. Despite the setback, the Haddonfield, New Jersey, native will look to rebound against Houston and build on an impressive start to his third season with the IceRays.
With the weekend offering two opportunities to reset, Bryzgalov and the IceRays will look to regain their early-season form.
SPOOKY SEASON
After a strong start in September, the IceRays have hit a rough patch as the schedule has intensified. Corpus Christi enters the weekend with a 1-3 record in October and will look to close out the month on a positive note before returning home to face the Lone Star Brahmas over Halloween weekend.
Offensive production has been a key area of concern during the recent slide. The IceRays have averaged just 1.25 goals per game over their last four contests, making a return to consistent scoring a priority heading into the series against Houston.
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.
