Corpus Christi strikes twice on the power play to secure back-to-back victories over Shreveport
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (5-7-0) took down the Shreveport Mudbugs (5-7-2) with a 2–1 victory on Friday night at the Hilliard Center, powered by two goals on the man advantage. The win marked the second time this season that the IceRays have scored multiple power-play goals in a single game.
The IceRays spent the majority of the first period in their own zone defending and relying on Vladislav Bryzgalov to make several big saves. But midway through the period, a Mudbugs penalty put the IceRays on the man advantage with a chance to take the lead. In the final 30 seconds of the power play, Johnny Maruna fed Grayson Gerhard on the near side, who stepped into a wrist shot that found the back of the net for a 1–0 IceRays lead. His third goal of the season would hold after 20 minutes of play.
Hilliard Center was rocking in the middle frame as IceRays fans witnessed multiple fights and plenty of physical play from both sides. The physicality led to a power play for Shreveport, and Jared Greiner beat Bryzgalov from the same spot Gerhard scored from earlier to tie the game 1–1. The IceRays and Mudbugs traded penalties back and forth, combining for 12 infractions in the period, but none more costly than a bench minor on Shreveport after the horn blew, which put the IceRays on a two-man advantage to begin the final frame.
Corpus Christi wasted no time capitalizing, as defenseman Trent Coleman blasted a one-timer to put the IceRays on top 2–1 with his second goal of the season. Maruna picked up an assist on the play, giving him his second straight multi-point game and fourth overall this season. A penalty following the go-ahead goal put the Mudbugs back on the power play, but the IceRays penalty kill held firm, allowing just one shot that Bryzgalov easily handled.
Clinging to a one-goal lead late, the Mudbugs pulled their goalie for the extra attacker, setting up one final faceoff in front of the IceRays net. Shreveport won the draw and found Greiner in the slot, but his shot rang off the post and wide, allowing the IceRays to escape with a 2–1 victory. The win snaps a two-game losing streak for Corpus Christi and extends Shreveport’s winless skid to four.
The IceRays go for the sweep tomorrow night at Hilliard Center as they wrap up the series against Shreveport. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05. Catch the action live on NAHLTV or listen by downloading the Retro Radio CC app on your favorite smart device!
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Tickets start at just $5! Student and Active Military Tickets are available at the Hilliard Center Box Office with valid ID.
Grab yours now at www.goicerays.com, on Ticketmaster, or at the Hilliard Center box office.
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 an entertainment complex owned by the city of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group with OVG Hospitality. The complex is in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas and consists of an arena, auditorium, and convention center. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events. Located directly on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay downtown, Hilliard Center is flexible for any group offering complimentary Wi-Fi and premium food and beverage options.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
