Jonathan Pylypuik Collects 1st Career Goal in the Loss
AMARILLO, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (12-12-2) saw their five-game winning streak snapped Friday night, falling just short in a 3–2 loss to the Amarillo Wranglers (12-12-1) at the Budweiser Bullpen.
Corpus Christi set the tempo early, firing shots from all angles and applying sustained pressure on Wranglers goaltender Charles-Antoine Girard. The effort paid off midway through the opening period when Johnny Maruna connected with Jonathon Pylypuik, who blasted a one-timer past Girard to give the IceRays a 1–0 lead. The goal marked Pylypuik’s first career tally in the NAHL. Despite continued pressure, Corpus Christi was unable to extend the lead on the power play that followed. Amarillo capitalized as Ty Izadi buried a one-timer from the slot to tie the game 1–1 just before the intermission.
The Wranglers controlled much of the second period, aided by three Corpus Christi penalties that put them on the man-advantage. Amarillo generated eight shots across the three power plays, but IceRays netminder Xander Miceli stood tall to keep the game even. It was a lackluster frame for Corpus Christi, which struggled to stay out of the penalty box but held firm defensively, sending the game into the second intermission tied at 1–1.
A sluggish start to the third period opened the door for Amarillo, and the Wranglers took full advantage. Just over five minutes in, Sam Hegarty found Daniel Rassega on the back door for a tap-in to give Amarillo its first lead of the night. Three minutes later, Izadi struck again for his second goal of the game, extending the Wranglers lead to 3–1.
With more than 15 minutes remaining, the IceRays mounted a determined comeback attempt. Trailing by two late, Corpus Christi pulled Miceli for the extra attacker and cut the deficit to one when a bounce deflected off the body of Easton Swift and into the net. The IceRays pushed hard in the final moments, but Girard turned aside every chance as Amarillo held on for the 3–2 win in the series opener.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays wrap up a five-game road trip tomorrow night at the Budweiser Bullpen with puck drop scheduled at 7:14 p.m. CT. The pregame show on NAHLTV and Retro Radio CC kicks off 15 minutes before game time.
NEXT HOME SERIES
Corpus Christi hosts the Oklahoma Warriors at the Hilliard Center on Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. Friday is our Toy Drive Night where fans that bring in one unwrapped toy will receive a free ticket to the game. Saturday is our annual Teddy Bear Toss Night benefitting Nate’s Next Kid Up! Bring a new stuffed animal and when the IceRays score their first goal, let those Teddy Bears fly!
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.
