Corpus Christi Finishes NAHL Showcase 2-1-0
BLAINE, MN — The Corpus Christi IceRays (6-1-0) entered Saturday afternoon’s matchup with the Watertown Shamrocks unbeaten, but for the first time this season, they suffer the loss by a final score of 3-0 Saturday evening at the Super Rink.
“We didn’t have our best game today,” IceRays head coach Nick Skerlick said. “Watertown played a hard, disciplined game and made us pay for our mistakes. We had opportunities, but we didn’t capitalize, and that’s something we have to learn from. We’re proud of the way the guys competed throughout the showcase, but this is a good reminder that we have to be ready to play every night.”
A penalty in the opening minute on Watertown aided a quick start for Corpus Christi, which was looking to strike first for the seventh consecutive game. The IceRays generated a few shots on goal, but Mason Gudridge was sharp early between the pipes for the Shamrocks.
Corpus Christi remained on the front foot after the power play. Its best chance of the opening period came when Justin Thibault’s shot produced a rebound for Andrew Waugh, who pushed the puck wide of an open net.
Watertown grew into the period and began creating problems for the IceRays with its forecheck. Eventually, a mistake by Corpus Christi led to the game’s opening goal.
Jordan Brothers scooped up a loose puck and found Owen Chartier on the back door, where Chartier finished the chance to give Watertown a 1-0 lead.
It marked the first time this season the IceRays had failed to score first in a game. The Shamrocks carried the one-goal advantage into the first intermission.
The penalty box became a revolving door for Corpus Christi in the second period as the IceRays took five penalties in succession.
Corpus Christi successfully killed off four of the five power plays, thanks in large part to an outstanding performance from goaltender Yegor Batsokin. The young Russian netminder came up with several key saves to keep the IceRays within one. However, the fifth penalty proved costly.
Watertown captain Justin Bartley stepped into a wrist shot that found the back of the net, extending the Shamrocks’ lead to 2-0.
Before the end of the second period, Watertown forward Grady Dimberio was assessed a major penalty for boarding, giving the IceRays a five-minute power play and an opportunity to cut into the deficit.
Corpus Christi was unable to capitalize during the remainder of the man advantage, carrying the two-goal deficit into the third period.
The IceRays failed to convert on the final three minutes of the power play but continued to ramp up the pressure on Watertown. Corpus Christi generated several quality chances early in the period, but its shots repeatedly missed the net or found the glass behind Gudridge.
Another Corpus Christi penalty with less than six minutes remaining put the IceRays back on the penalty kill, and Watertown capitalized for the second time with the man advantage. Jordan Brothers beat Batsokin with a wrist shot to extend the Shamrocks’ lead to 3-0.
Watertown shut out Corpus Christi the rest of the way, handing the IceRays their first loss of the season on the final day of the NAHL Showcase.
UP NEXT
The IceRays will be idle next week before hosting the El Paso Rhinos on Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, at the Hilliard Center. It marks the third series between the two teams just a month into the season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Saturday followed by a 4:05 p.m. start on Sunday.
Grab your tickets today on ticketmaster or visit our website at goicerays.com.
Or catch the game live 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.
