IceRays Eight Game Point Streak Snapped in Defeat
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (20-16-4) failed to hold a two-goal lead Friday night, as the El Paso Rhinos (21-14-6) scored four unanswered goals to defeat the IceRays 4-2 at the El Paso County Event Center. The loss snapped an eight-game point streak for Corpus Christi and marked their fifth straight defeat against El Paso.
“We liked our start and the way we built a two-goal lead, but we have to be better managing the game from there,” said Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “Special teams and discipline caught up to us, and against a team like El Paso, that’s the difference.”
The IceRays opened the contest with three shots in the first minute and controlled the opening five minutes in El Paso. Their strong start earned them the first power play of the night, but they struggled to find a rhythm and failed to convert. IceRays goaltender Xander Miceli was sharp in the opening frame, stopping all 10 shots he faced as the Rhinos responded with pressure of their own. At the other end, Michael Modelski matched Miceli save for save to keep Corpus Christi off the board. A relatively quiet first period sent the game to intermission scoreless.
Corpus Christi began the middle frame on a penalty kill and successfully kept El Paso’s lethal power play off the board for the time being. The IceRays then went on the attack, and captain Marc-Alexandre Richard blasted a slap shot past Modelski to open the scoring. The pressure continued, leading to two drawn penalties and a lengthy 5-on-3 advantage. Corpus Christi’s five-man unit moved the puck crisply, setting up a one-time blast from Johnny Maruna that found the back of the net for his eighth power-play goal of the season, giving the IceRays a 2-0 lead. Nick Evans and Easton Swift picked up the assists on the power play tally.
After failing to score on the remaining minute of the man advantage, El Paso responded just over a minute later when Troy Hunka broke free on a breakaway to cut the deficit to 2-1. Hunka followed up his 19th goal of the season with his 20th on a Rhinos power play, evening the score at 2-2. Both teams settled for a tie after 40 minutes.
The IceRays got off to a strong start in the final period, but their early chances went unrewarded as Modelski turned aside five shots in the first three minutes. Penalty trouble soon followed for Corpus Christi, and the Rhinos dangerous power play cashed in for the second time when Ian Kastamo buried a rebound to give El Paso its first lead of the night, 3-2. The Rhinos extended their lead just over four minutes later as their fifth power play expired, with a shot deflecting off the skate of Gage Giblin and past Miceli to make it 4-2.
Corpus Christi struggled to generate offense down the stretch, managing little with just under half a period remaining, as Modelski finished the night with 31 saves. The Rhinos closed out the series opener with a 4-2 victory.
NEXT SERIES
The IceRays and Rhinos clash in the series finale tomorrow night at the El Paso County Event Center with puck drop at 8:00 p.m. CT. Tune in to the games on NAHLtv or listen on the Retro Radio CC. The pregame show kicks off 15 minutes prior to puck drop.
NEXT HOME SERIES
Corpus Christi returns to the Hilliard Center February 6 & 7 when they host the New Mexico Ice Wolves in a two-game weekend series. The weekend is headlined by Stars and Stripes Night on Saturday where all Veterans, Active-Duty Military, First Responders, and their family’s get in free! Up to four free tickets when you show your ID at the Hilliard Center Box Office. Stars and Stripes Night is presented by the U.S.S Lexington Museum and IBEW 278!
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.
