IceRays Record Five Straight Wins Over El Paso Dating Back to Last Season
EL PASO, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays opened the 2026-27 season with four consecutive wins over the El Paso Rhinos, after completing a weekend road sweep with a 3-1 victory Saturday night. It marks the first undefeated start through four games for Corpus Christi to start a season in organizational history.
“It’s a great way to start the season, but we know there’s a lot of hockey ahead of us,” head coach Nick Skerlick said. “I really liked the way our guys stayed composed, especially when we were down a man. We found a way to make the big plays when we needed them.”
The officiating remained a storyline on night two, with the Rhinos going on the man advantage three times in the opening period. Corpus Christi continued to excel on the penalty kill, going a perfect 3-for-3 to start the night.
The IceRays not only killed off all three penalties but also struck shorthanded for the first time this season. Oliver Czaja got free on a breakaway and, just as he did on the game-winning goal Friday night, snapped a low shot to the glove side of the Rhinos goaltender to give Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead late in the first period.
Corpus Christi has scored first in all four meetings to begin the season.
The IceRays applied pressure in the second period as the game opened up, a pace that favored Corpus Christi. Their work was finally rewarded with a power-play opportunity, just their second of the weekend.
The IceRays remained unfazed, and moments later drew two additional penalties 30 seconds apart, giving Corpus Christi 90 seconds of 5-on-3 time. El Paso goaltender Luke Brassil stood tall as the IceRays generated multiple scoring chances that failed to find the back of the net.
The Rhinos survived the extended penalty kill and tied the game moments later when Brandan Murray slammed home a rebound to make it 1-1.
As the period wound down, IceRays defenseman Nikita Konevych weaved his way through traffic and flipped a backhand shot toward the crease that nearly found the net. After further review, officials determined that Rhinos defenseman Alexi Gregoire covered the puck with his hand inside the blue paint, resulting in a delay-of-game penalty and a penalty shot for Konevych with 3.8 seconds remaining in the period.
On chewed-up ice, Konevych wound in from the right circle and snapped a shot past Brassil’s blocker to restore a 2-1 IceRays lead heading into the final frame.
Corpus Christi slammed the door over the final 20 minutes, limiting El Paso to just a handful of quality chances. Goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov did his part, stopping all five shots he faced in the period.
The Rhinos made one last push with the goalie pulled, but Willem Kerr set up Brodie Hankel for the empty-net goal, sealing the weekend sweep with a 3-1 victory
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.
