Corpus Christi Splits Road Series with El Paso
EL PASO, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays (10-6-1) were stunned on Saturday night at the El Paso County Event Center, by a final score of 2-1. A pair of special team goals in the final five minutes for the Rhinos erased the IceRays 1-0 lead in the series finale.
Goaltending shined in with Vladislav Bryzgalov and Logan Hughes keeping their respective opponents off the board. Bryzgalov finished with eight saves in the frame and was the busier netminder in the early going. Hughes matched him with 10 stops, including two late saves on the penalty kill for El Paso as the IceRays pushed for a late breakthrough.
El Paso took control of play in the second period in search of the opening goal, but every scoring opportunity was turned aside by Bryzgalov. The Haddonfield, New Jersey, native stopped multiple dangerous chances for El Paso, including two breakaways. He added 11 more saves in the period to keep the IceRays in the contest.
The IceRays had their moments in the period as well but failed to provide any offensive support for Bryzgalov. Corpus Christi went 0-for-4 on the power play through the second intermission as the game remained scoreless heading into the final period.
Both teams traded power-play opportunities in the opening 10 minutes of the third period, but neither side could find an answer. That changed when IceRays forward Willem Kerr deflected a shot past Hughes off a floating attempt from Brady Franck, giving Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead with nine minutes remaining.
Corpus Christi maintained its lead into the final five minutes, but the Rhinos finally found an answer for Bryzgalov with a shorthanded goal from Charles Turner. His goal shifted the momentum in El Paso’s favor, and the Rhinos eventually drew a power play with two minutes remaining. El Paso made quick work of the opportunity as Anthony Nolan chipped home his second goal of the weekend to give the Rhinos a 2-1 lead with 90 seconds remaining. The goal also ended El Paso’s 0-for-9 drought on the power play to that point over the weekend.
The IceRays made a late push with the extra attacker, but Hughes added a few more saves down the stretch to help El Paso hold on for a 2-1 victory.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays have a quick turnaround as they travel to the Ector County Coliseum to take on the Odessa Jackalopes at 2:00 p.m. CT on Sunday afternoon. Tune in to the action on NATV with the “Voice of the IceRays” Joey Erickson starting at 1:45 p.m. CT.
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.
