Penalty Kill Goes a Perfect 7-for-7 in the Game
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (27-21-6) were shut out for the first time this season in a 4-0 loss to the Lone Star Brahmas (37-10-5) on Friday night at the Nytex Sports Centre.
“We didn’t execute the way we needed to early, and against a team like Lone Star, that’s going to cost you,” said IceRays Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “I liked our response in the second period and the effort from our penalty kill, but we have to be more consistent and cleaner with the puck. The opportunity is still right in front of us, we just need to come ready tomorrow.”
The game opened with an early opportunity for Corpus Christi, as a Lone Star penalty just 18 seconds in set up a power play. Despite solid zone time, the IceRays managed only one shot on net. After a strong opening stretch, momentum shifted following a turnover that led to a goal from Brahmas forward Dylan McFadden, giving Lone Star a 1-0 lead. Less than a minute later, another turnover resulted in Tyson Scanlon extending the advantage to 2-0.
The IceRays struggled to generate offense against a disciplined Brahmas defense, finishing the first period with just two shots on goal. Lone Star added to its lead late in the period, as Denver Damphousse netted his 10th goal of the season to make it 3-0 heading into the intermission.
Corpus Christi showed improvement in the second period, firing 11 shots on goal while limiting Lone Star to just four. Despite controlling longer stretches of play, the IceRays were unable to solve Brahmas goaltender Leo Gabriel, who made 13 saves through two periods to preserve the shutout.
The third period saw limited scoring chances for both teams, though a series of penalties against Corpus Christi gave Lone Star multiple power play opportunities. The IceRays penalty kill unit stood out, going a perfect seven-for-seven, including several two-man disadvantages. Scanlon added his second goal of the game late to seal the 4-0 victory. Gabriel stopped all 18 shots he faced, earning his third shutout of the season.
With the loss, and Shreveport’s win over Odessa, the Mudbugs move within two points of the IceRays for fourth place in the division. However, Corpus Christi needs just two points in any fashion to clinch a playoff berth. A win on Saturday night or an Odessa regulation loss would secure their spot.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays and Brahmas wrap up the weekend series tomorrow night at the Nytex Sports Centre at 7:30 p.m CT. Tune in to the game on NAHLtv or listen for free on the Retro Radio CC App.
ICERAYS FINAL HOME SERIES MARCH 27 & 28
Corpus Christi will host the El Paso Rhinos for the final home series of the 2025-26 regular season at the Hilliard Center. The IceRays are celebrating the best fans in the NAHL during their two games on Friday and Saturday. Puck drop is 7:05 p.m. both nights. Don’t miss out on prizes, giveaways, and more!
GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW
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 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.
