BLAINE, MINN. – The Corpus Christi IceRays (1-2-0) made a charge late in the third period but could not overcome their deficit, falling 2-1 to the Johnstown Tomahawks (2-1-0) on Wednesday afternoon at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. on Day One of the North American Hockey League Showcase.
Action stayed quiet for the first period as both teams adjusted to the Olympic-size ice, but in the second period play became interesting with more penalties. IceRays forward Adam Canepa took a five-minute major penalty for boarding at 14:33 with a minor penalty to Johnstown’s Brendan Jaquay to offset the initial two minutes of power play time. The IceRays found themselves on a four-on-three power play a few moments after that but could not convert. While both sides remained four-on-four, Tomahawks forward Luke Lynch netted his first of the season at 17:23 to move Johnstown ahead 1-0.
The Tomahawks doubled their lead, 2-0, at 2:20 of the third period with forward Kelly O’Brien’s first goal of the year. The IceRays ramped up their efforts as the third period went on and earned a five-on-three power play late in the frame. At 18:48, forward Carter Johnson batted in his first goal of the year on the power play to draw within one, 2-1. However, the IceRays couldn’t convert on the remaining power play time and faltered to the Tomahawks.
Tomahawks goaltender Jacob Gwillim (2-0-0) earned the win, saving 25 of 26 shots, while IceRays netminder Graham Hunt (1-1-0) picked up his first loss, stopping 14 of 16 shots. The IceRays continue the 2015 NAHL Showcase on Thursday, September 24 against the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights at 1:15 p.m. from the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. Exclusive coverage begins at 1:10 p.m. on FASTHockey.
Contact the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK or go to www.goicerays.com for details on season tickets along with pricing and seating. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Vine (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).
