BLAINE, MINN. – The Corpus Christi IceRays scored in the first period and held on to defeat the Wenatchee Wild, 2-0, in the third game of the North American Hockey League Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. The win marks the first against Wenatchee in the team’s history in just their second appearance against the Wild.
It was even through most of the first period, but the IceRays pulled ahead at 18:58. After IceRays forward Connor Kelly and defender Anthony Cortese rang consecutive shots off the post, Cortese finally found the back of the net to grab his fourth goal of the season and a 1-0 lead. Kelly and Brad LeLievre were awarded assists. Not even one minute later, the IceRays add another tally at 19:45 when defender Trevor Heuser took a shot from the blue line that redirected off a Tanner Lomsnes skate to give the IceRays a 2-0 lead. Forward Nic LaBurn also earned an assist for his outlet pass to Heuser.
The second period remained rather quiet on the scoreline, but didn’t stop both sides from putting up a strong effort. Corpus Christi couldn’t convert on their two power play chances in the period, and a late slashing call on Kelly forced the IceRays down a player for the first 1:18 of the third period.
After clearing the Kelly penalty, the IceRays had a few more chances to increase their lead as defender Brendan Murphy rang another shot off the post. The Wild pulled goalie Forbes Ploszaj late in the period, but they couldn’t come away with a goal.
IceRays netminder Andrew Lindgren (2-0-1) earned his first shutout of the season, stopping all 29 shots he faced, and former IceRays goaltender Ploszaj (1-1-0) earned the loss, stopping 26 of 27 shots. The IceRays close out the 2014 NAHL Showcase on Saturday, September 20 against the Keystone Ice Miners. Coverage begins at 9:15 a.m. with Countdown to Faceoff and the opening drop at 9:30 a.m. only on FastHockey.com.
The IceRays open their 2014-15 home schedule on Saturday, September 27 against the Lone Star Brahmas. Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for season and individual ticket details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com. Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), and YouTube (IceRays TV).
