Corpus Christi Sweeps El Paso in First Road Series
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (4-0-0, 1st) made history over the weekend, opening the season with four consecutive victories for the first time in history after sweeping the El Paso Rhinos on the road.
Corpus Christi opened the 2026-27 North American Hockey League season with four consecutive victories over the Rhinos, capping a perfect opening stretch with a sweep on their first road trip of the season last weekend.
Friday night’s series opener required extra time, as the IceRays erased a late El Paso push to earn a 4-3 overtime victory. Corpus Christi built a 3-0 lead through goals from Anthony Pedalino, Brodie Hankel and Oliver Czaja before the Rhinos battled back with three unanswered goals to force overtime. Czaja delivered the winner 1:39 into the extra session, scoring his second goal of the night to secure the IceRays second consecutive overtime victory. Griffin Wright made his first start in net for Corpus Christi picking up the win with 33 saves.
Czaja finished the weekend as one of the offensive leaders for Corpus Christi, scoring four goals and seven points through four games this season.
The IceRays completed the weekend sweep Saturday night with a 3-1 victory, earning their first road sweep of the season in unconventional fashion.
Czaja opened the scoring with Corpus Christi’s first shorthanded goal of the season, converting on a breakaway late in the opening period. Defenseman Nikita Konevych restored the IceRays lead late in the second period by converting a penalty shot after officials ruled that an El Paso player covered the puck in the crease. Then, Brodie Hankel added an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal the victory.
Goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov closed the door in the final period Saturday, stopping all five shots he faced, earning his third victory in his third start to begin the campaign.
The IceRays have scored first in all four games this season and have received contributions throughout the lineup during their unbeaten start. Corpus Christi now prepares for the North American Hockey League Showcase carrying momentum and the best opening record in organizational history.
UP NEXT
The IceRays are headed north to Blaine, Minnesota, for the 2026 NAHL Showcase, where they will face three opponents over three days at the Schwan Super Rink. Corpus Christi will open the showcase on September 24 against the Elmira Aviators at 1:45 p.m. CT, followed by a matchup with the Idaho Falls Spud Kings on September 25 at 3:45 p.m. CT. The IceRays will wrap up the showcase on September 26 against the Watertown Shamrocks at 2:30 p.m. CT.
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.
