Michael Sandruck Delivers Game-Winning Goal on the Power Play
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (1-2-0) rally in the third period for a 4-2 victory over the Shreveport Mudbugs (2-1-0) in the preseason finale from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum Saturday night.
Shreveport seemed to pick up where it left off the previous night, jumping on the Corpus Christi IceRays in the opening 10 minutes.
Vladislav Bryzgalov was tested immediately in his first preseason appearance, and if not for a post, the Mudbugs would have found the scoreboard within the opening two minutes. Shreveport eventually broke through following an offensive-zone faceoff win, as Jason Simons fired a wrist shot through traffic and into the net to give the Mudbugs a 1-0 lead.
Shreveport outshot Corpus Christi 10-3 in the opening period, but Bryzgalov kept the deficit to one as the IceRays settled into the game. After a successful penalty kill in the middle of the period, Jeremiah Roberts was sent to the box for Shreveport, giving the IceRays their first power play of the night.
Corpus Christi took advantage, as Nikita Konevych fired a wrist shot from the top of the right circle past the Shreveport goaltender to tie the game at 1-1. The goal gave the IceRays a power-play tally in all three games over the weekend. The contest stayed tied after 20 minutes.
Corpus Christi delivered a much stronger effort in the second period as it searched for its first lead. Despite being doubled up in shots, the IceRays made the period much more even.
The first fireworks of the night came when Corpus Christi’s Brady Franck went after Mudbugs forward Oliver Laverdier following a slash on Bryzgalov. Franck received a double-minor for roughing, sending Shreveport to the power play.
The Mudbugs capitalized, with Duke Ehrhard scoring to restore a 2-1 Shreveport advantage.
Corpus Christi generated several quality chances at the other end, including a shot off the post from Michael Sandruck, a point-blank opportunity from Michael Azzarone and a rush chance from Jason Piccirillo. None found the back of the net, and the IceRays entered the third period trailing by one.
Corpus Christi continued to chip away in the final frame, forcing turnovers and putting pressure on the Mudbugs defense. One of those turnovers led to Jacob Wingfield, who had just stepped onto the ice, snapping a shot past the Shreveport goaltender to tie the game at 2-2.
The IceRays seized the momentum and earned another power play shortly after the tying goal.
Konevych and Corpus Christi made the Mudbugs pay again. Konevych whipped a shot toward the net that clipped Sandruck’s stick in front and redirected into the goal, giving the IceRays their first lead of the night at 3-2.
Shreveport responded over the final eight minutes, forcing Bryzgalov to come up big late to preserve the IceRays lead.
A late Corpus Christi penalty made things even more interesting with less than two minutes remaining. Shreveport pulled its goaltender for the extra attacker, creating a six-on-four advantage.
The Mudbugs peppered Bryzgalov with chances, but he fought to keep the puck out of the net. Eventually, Andrew Waugh flipped the puck toward center ice, where it landed perfectly for Charles Norris coming out of the penalty box. Norris raced in and buried the empty-net goal to seal a 4-2 victory for the IceRays in the preseason finale.
OPENING WEEKEND
The action all culminates with Home Opening Weekend on September 11 and 12, presented by Hilliard Law. The IceRays will host the El Paso Rhinos on Friday and Saturday at the Hilliard Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights.
The first 1,500 fans through the doors on Friday will receive an IceRays Schedule Magnet, while the first 1,500 fans on Saturday will take home an IceRays Rally Towel.
Opening Weekend tickets are ON SALE NOW at https://www.ticketmaster.com/corpus-christi-icerays-tickets/artist/841448
Follow Every IceRays Game on NATV
IceRays fans can get ready for the 2026-27 season by subscribing to NATV and choosing the Corpus Christi IceRays as their favorite team.
With an NATV subscription, fans can take in every IceRays home and away game throughout the 2026-27 season, making it easier than ever to follow the team wherever the season takes them.
Subscribe to NATV today by clicking this link: https://www.nahltv.com/plans.
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.
***BringTheSting*****
