Johnathan Cifaldi Notches his 1st Career Goal in the NAHL
ALBUQUERQUE, NM — The Corpus Christi IceRays (7–10–1) snapped a four-game skid in a convincing 4-1 win over the New Mexico Ice Wolves (11-7-2) on Friday night at the Outpost Ice Arena.
“Tonight, our guys showed what they’re capable of when they stay committed and play with pace, said Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. We’ve got to take this energy into tomorrow’s game and keep building. Every shift matter, and I love the way our team came out in the 3rd period and the way we finished off the game defensively.”
It was a back-and-forth opening period in Albuquerque, featuring a combined 33 shots and several scoring chances, all denied by the goaltenders. IceRays netminder Vladislav Bryzgalov was key for Corpus Christi, making multiple goal-line stops, including on the lone power-play opportunity for New Mexico. Corpus Christi had the better scoring chances of either side but could not beat Conner Roff at the other end of the rink. Despite the offensive attacks, the game remained scoreless after one period.
Corpus Christi was the first to break through as a loose puck popped to Johnny Maruna in front of Roff, and he slipped it through the five-hole for a 1–0 lead. It was Maruna’s third goal of the season, assisted by Jonathan Pylypuik. Unable to extend their lead before the halfway point, New Mexico capitalized on an offensive-zone faceoff win, with defenseman Sean Smith beating Bryzgalov to tie the game. Corpus Christi finished the period with two power-play opportunities they failed to convert, sending the teams to intermission tied at 1–1.
In need of a big third period, the IceRays stormed out looking for the go-ahead goal. After failing to score on his first wraparound attempt, Chase Nehring would not be denied on his second chance, coming out from behind the net and twisting one past Roff’s pad to give Corpus Christi a 2–1 lead. The IceRays never looked back and just over a minute later Jonathan Cifaldi fired his first career goal into the top corner, giving the IceRays their largest lead of the night at 3–1. In full control for the remainder of the game, William Stewart added the fourth goal of the night, and his fourth of the year, with just over seven minutes to play. Bryzgalov and the IceRays shut it down from there. Vlad finished with 34 saves on 35 shots leading his team to a 4-1 final in the series opener.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays face the Ice Wolves tomorrow night in game two of their three-game set at the Outpost Ice Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CT. Catch all the action live on NAHLTV or tune in on Retro Radio CC by downloading the app on your favorite smart device!
NEXT HOME SERIES
The IceRays return to the Hilliard Center for Ice Out Hunger weekend when we host the New Mexico Ice Wolves for a pair of games. The series kicks off on Friday, November 28, and wraps up on Saturday, November 29, with puck drop at 7:05 p.m. both nights.
Ice Out Hunger presented by HEB is a chance for the IceRays and our fans to give back to the Coastal Bend community. Fans that bring in five canned goods will receive one free ticket to the game. All donations will benefit the Coastal Bend Food Bank.
Friday will feature $1 Beer Night and meet and greet with Corpus Christi native and major league baseball player Jose Trevino! Saturday features the return of Post Game Skate presented by RTFC!
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 an entertainment complex owned by the city of Corpus Christi and managed by Oak View Group with OVG Hospitality. The complex is in downtown Corpus Christi, Texas and consists of an arena, auditorium, and convention center. The facility hosts numerous conventions, trade shows, exhibitions, live performances, and sporting events. Located directly on the beautiful Corpus Christi Bay downtown, Hilliard Center is flexible for any group offering complimentary Wi-Fi and premium food and beverage options.
About Oak View Group (OVG)
Oak View Group (OVG) is the global leader in live experience venue development, management, premium hospitality services, and 360-degree solutions for a collection of world-class owned venues and a client roster of arenas, convention centers, music festivals, performing arts centers, and cultural institutions. Founded by Tim Leiweke and Irving Azoff in 2015, OVG is the leading developer of major new venues either open or under development across four continents. Visit OakViewGroup.com, and follow OVG on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.
