ICERAYS SHUT OUT BY KILLER BEES, 1-0

Nov 27, 2014

HIDALGO, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays saw their five-game win streak slip away as they were blanked by the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, 1-0, from State Farm Arena. This is the second time the IceRays have been shut out, and they are now 0-5-4 in road games this season.

Possession swayed back and forth between both sides for the opening ten minutes of the game before the Killer Bees were able to push ahead. Off a draw in the left circle, defenseman Evan Bell took a slap shot from the left point and threaded it through the defense past the far side of IceRays goaltender Luke Pickar to take the 1-0 lead. Forward Anthony Croston grabbed the only other point of the contest. The Killer Bees led in shots 8-3 after the first period.

The second period started much like the first, with both teams exchanging the puck through the neutral zone. Play evened out with the IceRays gaining a few strong chances in the second period, including a shorthanded rush led by forward Tanner Lomsnes just passed the midway mark of the period. However, Killer Bees netminder Ben Johansson had an answer for that play. As the period winded down, both teams started to get more physical, with checks and scrums ensuing throughout the rest of the period.

That continued into the third period, but an early power play chance had them back on the offensive and surging forward. As each chance was thwarted by Johansson, desperation crept in. Pickar was pulled late in the game, forcing the IceRays six-on-five for the last minute and one half. The best chance of the night was a scrum in front of the Killer Bees’ net that was once again stopped by Johansson. The IceRays couldn’t answer and dropped the contest, 1-0.

Johansson (5-3-3) saved all 19 shots he faced in the win, while Pickar (3-4-2) turned aside 21 of 22 shots against in the loss. Both teams came up empty on the power play, each going 0-for-4 on the night.

The IceRays finish off their two-game set against the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Saturday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m. from State Farm Arena. Coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. with Countdown to Faceoff on the IceRays flagship station, SportsRadio Corpus Christi. Call the front office at 361-814-7825 for season and individual ticket details or check out the pricing and seating chart online at www.goicerays.com. Stay current with the latest team news by visiting www.goicerays.com. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), and YouTube (IceRays TV).