BLAINE, MINN. – The Corpus Christi IceRays (2-3-0) allowed three goals in the third period to the Springfield Jr. Blues (2-1-0) in a 3-1 loss on Friday morning at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. on Day Three of the North American Hockey League Showcase. The IceRays now stand at 1-2-0 in the NAHL Showcase with one game remaining.
The Jr. Blues controlled a majority of the opening period, but despite their possession and chances on both ends, play and scoring picked up in the second period. Both teams combined for seven power play chances in the middle frame though neither side was able to convert. However, at 11:53, IceRays veteran forward Brad LeLievre slid his way through a low slot for his first tally of the year and gave the home side a 1-0 lead.
The offense for the Jr. Blues found its way in net in the third period to the tune of three unanswered goals. Forward Trevor Stone found an open puck down low at 5:13 and tied the game, 1-1. Then, at 6:42, defenseman Anthony Scarsella blasted a one-time shot from the right circle to push Springfield ahead 2-1 on the power play. Finally, late in the game at 17:22, a late penalty called against the IceRays outletted Jr. Blues forward Brady Tomlak to roof a puck through a dislodged net on the power play to seal the win, 3-1.
Jr. Blues goaltender Tommy Nappier (2-0-0) earned the win, saving 14 of 15 shots, while IceRays netminder Graham Hunt (1-2-0) picked up the loss in a 30-for-33 save effort. The IceRays close out their 2015 NAHL Showcase on Saturday, September 26 against the Minot Minotauros at 12:15 p.m. from the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, Minn. Exclusive coverage begins at 12:10 p.m. on FASTHockey.
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