Corpus Christi Faces Best-of-Three Play-In Series Versus Mudbugs
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays (30-23-6, 4th place) will open their Robertson Cup Playoff run in a best-of-three Play-In Series against the Shreveport Mudbugs (28-22-9, 5th place). Despite earning the higher seed, the IceRays will play all three games on the road at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum in Shreveport, Louisiana.
BROADCAST / GAME INFORMATION
Game 1 kicks off the series on Friday, April 10, followed by Game 2 on Saturday, April 11, with puck drop scheduled for 7:11 p.m CT both nights. If necessary, Game 3 will be held Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. CT on April 12.
Fans can watch the games on NATV or listen live on Retro Radio Corpus Christi by downloading the Retro Radio Corpus Christi app. Join the “Voice of the IceRays,” Joey Erickson, all weekend long. Pregame coverage on both NATV and Retro Radio Corpus Christi begins 15 minutes prior to puck drop.
WE MEET AGAIN
This series marks the fourth postseason meeting between the IceRays and Mudbugs. Corpus Christi controlled the regular season matchup, winning six of eight games, and has claimed victory in two of the previous three playoff series between the teams—including a 3-0 sweep of Shreveport last season. Despite playing on the road, the IceRays will serve as the home team in this matchup, marking the first time they’ve held that designation against the Mudbugs in a playoff series.
George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum has historically been a challenging venue for Corpus Christi, though the IceRays have found success there with a 4-3 all-time record in Shreveport. In last year’s postseason, the IceRays opened the series with a dramatic triple-overtime victory in Game 1, as Pierson Sobush netted the game-winner in a 2-1 final.
HELLO OLD FRIEND
A unique storyline entering the series is that both teams are led by players traded for one another. Forward Andrej Paricka emerged as the IceRays leading scorer, finishing with 43 points and tying for the team lead with 17 goals, including an impressive 36 points in 38 games since joining Corpus Christi.
On the other side, Shreveport’s Grayson Gerhard paced the Mudbugs with 54 points, tallying 40 points in 40 games following his midseason arrival. The impact of both players has been immediate and significant, setting the stage for a compelling matchup between two difference-makers who have helped reshape their respective teams.
MORE SINANI PLEASE
Nick Sinani, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound center had a strong second-half surge, scoring 13 of his 17 goals over the final 28 games of the season. He finished the year tied for the team lead in goals with Andrej Paricka, aided by his two-goal performance in the regular-season finale.
Sinani is heating up at the right time, with the playoffs set to begin this weekend in Shreveport. He is one of only two players on the roster with prior playoff experience, having appeared in eight postseason games last year, where he recorded one goal and two assists.
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.
