Nathan Di Chiara scores overtime winner as Corpus Christi completes weekend sweep
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays rallied from a two-goal deficit to defeat the El Paso Rhinos 4-3 in overtime Saturday night at the Hilliard Center, completing a weekend sweep and extending their streak of opening-weekend sweeps to two consecutive seasons.
Head coach Nick Skerlick wanted a faster start in the second game of the weekend, and the IceRays responded with several scoring chances in the opening five minutes.
Corpus Christi eventually capitalized on a turnover when Brodie Hankel fired a wrist shot through the five-hole of El Paso goaltender Luke Brassil. Liam McGuern and Andrew Waugh assisted on Hankel’s first goal of the season, giving the IceRays a 1-0 lead midway through the opening period.
The IceRays controlled much of the frame, but a late penalty gave El Paso a power play in the final minute. The Rhinos needed just 10 seconds to capitalize when Anthony Nolan’s one-timer fluttered past Corpus Christi goaltender Bryzgalov, tying the game 1-1 at the first intermission.
El Paso carried its momentum into the second period and took its first lead of the weekend when Brendan Murray scored on a deflection to make it 2-1.
The Rhinos quickly doubled their advantage as the IceRays scrambled defensively, allowing Jacob Solano to bank a shot off Bryzgalov and give El Paso a 3-1 lead.
Corpus Christi responded after a media timeout. Michael Azzarone pulled the IceRays within one with a snipe off an odd-man rush. Oliver Czaja and Chase Laurie recorded the assists, cutting the deficit to 3-2.
“I’m really proud of the way our guys responded tonight. We didn’t have our best second period, but we stayed composed, kept battling and found a way to get the game tied late. That’s the kind of resilience and character you want to see from your group, especially on opening weekend, said Skerlick.
With less than five minutes remaining in the period, Hankel was assessed a double-minor penalty, giving El Paso a four-minute power play. Bryzgalov and the IceRays penalty kill stood tall, killing off the entire advantage to keep Corpus Christi within one heading into the third period.
The final period of regulation flew by as the IceRays continued to search for the equalizer. El Paso held firm for most of the period, but Czaja took matters into his own hands.
After serving a penalty, Czaja collected a loose puck at center ice, weaved around a Rhinos defender and tucked a backhand shot around Brassil with 93 seconds remaining in regulation to tie the game 3-3.
The goal sent the IceRays to overtime for the first time this season.
Neither team could find the winner during the first three minutes of 3-on-3 overtime. Then Corpus Christi went to work.
Czaja muscled his way to the front of the net and put a shot on goal that Brassil stopped. The rebound remained near the top of the crease, where IceRays defenseman Nathan Di Chiara collected it.
After Brassil denied Di Chiara on his initial attempt, the defenseman elevated his second shot over the goaltender’s glove and buried the overtime winner, completing the IceRays’ comeback and securing a 4-3 victory.
The IceRays improved to 2-0-0 on the season, while the Rhinos fell to 0-1-1.
NEXT SERIES
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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