Oliver Czaja Tallied a Team High Four-Point Weekend
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (2-0-0) opened their season in impressive fashion, sweeping the El Paso Rhinos in a two-game weekend series at the Hilliard Center. Corpus Christi earned a 1-0 shutout victory on Friday before rallying for a thrilling 4-3 overtime win on Saturday to start the season undefeated.
“We challenged the guys to come out of this weekend with a strong start, and they answered that challenge,” said IceRays head coach Nick Skerlick. “Friday was a great example of playing a disciplined, team-first game, and Saturday showed the character and resilience of this group. To come back late in the third, force overtime and then finish it off was a great way to start the season. We know there’s plenty to improve on, but we’re really proud of the way the guys competed all weekend.”
Friday night belonged to goaltender Vladislav Bryzgalov, who turned aside all 26 shots he faced to record the first shutout of his NAHL career. The IceRays received all the offense they needed from Michael Sandruck, who scored the lone goal of the game in the second period.
Bryzgalov stood tall throughout the night, preserving the one-goal advantage and helping the IceRays secure their first victory of the season in shutout fashion.
The IceRays returned to the ice Saturday night and found themselves in a back-and-forth battle with the Rhinos. El Paso carried a 3-2 lead late in the third period before Corpus Christi mounted a dramatic comeback.
Oliver Czaja came through when the IceRays needed him most, scoring the tying goal with just 92 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime. Czaja finished the night with three points and totaled four points over the opening weekend.
In overtime, Czaja once again played a pivotal role. The forward set up defenseman Nathan Di Chiara, who buried the overtime winner to complete the 4-3 comeback and give the IceRays their second victory of the weekend.
Bryzgalov got the start in both games, backstopping the IceRays to a perfect 2-0-0 opening weekend.
The IceRays opening weekend was about more than just what happened on the ice. Phenomenal crowds at the Hilliard Center provided an electric atmosphere throughout both games, giving the IceRays a memorable home-ice advantage to begin the season.
From the opening faceoff to the dramatic final moments of Saturday’s overtime victory, IceRays fans brought energy and enthusiasm to the building. The strong turnout and atmosphere at the Hilliard Center set the tone for what promises to be an exciting season of IceRays hockey in Corpus Christi.
UP NEXT
The IceRays and Rhinos meet again next weekend at the El Paso County Events Center on Friday September 18, and Saturday September 19. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT both nights.
Catch all the action on NATV with the “Voice of the IceRays” Joey Erickson. The pregame show kicks off 15 minutes ahead of puck drop.
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.
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