Corpus Christi Takes Unbeaten Start on the Road to El Paso
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (2-0-0, 4th) will hit the road for the first time this season when they travel to El Paso, Texas, for a weekend series against the El Paso Rhinos (0-1-1, 5th).
The series marks the Rhinos first home games of the season as they look to rebound after being swept by the IceRays last weekend. Corpus Christi went 15-13-2 on the road last season.
GAME INFORMATION/BROADCAST
The series begins Friday, Sept. 18, at the El Paso County Events Center and concludes Saturday, Sept. 19. Tickets are available HERE.
Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. CT both nights.
Fans unable to make the trip to El Paso can watch every IceRays game this season live on NATV. The “Voice of the IceRays,” Joey Erickson, will have the call throughout the 2026-27 season, bringing all the action directly to fans wherever they are. The pregame show begins 15 minutes before puck drop.
CZAJA THE CZAR
Oliver Czaja, an 18-year-old forward, made a strong impression in his first series with the IceRays, recording four points against the Rhinos.
After recording the lone assist on Corpus Christi’s only goal Friday night, Czaja delivered a goal and two assists Saturday to help the IceRays complete the sweep. His first goal of the season tied the game with 92 seconds remaining, sending it to overtime. Czaja then assisted on defenseman Nathan Di Chiara’s game-winning goal.
The Darien, Connecticut, native entered the season with 51 games of junior hockey experience, having split last season between the Vernon Vipers of the BCHL and Rimouski Océanic of the QMJHL. Czaja will celebrate his 19th birthday Saturday.
VLAD IS BACK, BACK AGAIN
IceRays goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov recorded his first career shutout in the NAHL in his 39th league appearance Friday night.
The Corpus Christi netminder returned for his third season with the IceRays and stopped all 26 shots he faced to secure a 1-0 victory on opening night.
Bryzgalov followed his shutout with 18 saves Saturday night in the IceRays comeback victory, earning his 21st career win. He will look to remain unbeaten in West Texas.
I’M NOT AFRAID ANYMORE
The IceRays have won three consecutive meetings against the Rhinos, dating to the teams final meeting in March 2026. Corpus Christi has already surpassed its win total against El Paso from last season after sweeping the Rhinos at home last weekend.
This weekend will provide another test in front of a raucous El Paso crowd, where the IceRays endured some of their toughest losses last season. Corpus Christi earned just one point in four games in El Paso last season and is 5-9-2 all time at the El Paso County Events Center.
For more information, email info@goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK. Fans can also visit goicerays.com.
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.
