The IceRays came into the first ever matchup against the Wichita Falls Warriors looking to extend their two-game win streak. The Warriors on the other bench were in search of their fourth win in a row.
From puck drop on in the first period, Wichita Falls was bringing the energy. That energy led to a goal just 59 seconds into the period scored by Drew Vieten. The goal scored over the shoulder of Damon Beaver would be the only tally in the first period.
The second period had the scoreboard halted where it was at after the first. When the two teams hit the ice in the third, the IceRays energy had a different spark to it. Just a minute and a second into the period, Albin Persson scored on a one-time, cross-ice feed from captain Jude Kurtas. Persson’s goal gives him a goal in two straight games.
Just thirty seconds later, Cameron Crolley scored on a two on one after a feed from Nathan Butler. Thirty seconds can make the most of a difference in a hockey game.
The IceRays weren’t done yet, though, as an opportunity for Colby Seitz ten minutes later left a juicy rebound for Frank Jenkins who buried his first as an IceRay. The goal also gave the Rays an insurance marker on the board.
The game would come down to the wire as the Warriors scored with under five minutes left to give themselves a shot late. With the goaltender pulled, a man advantage, and 1:15 left on the clock, Wichita Falls looked as if they had the perfect opportunity. Corpus Christi would shut the door on the Warriors as they now have a 90% penalty kill.
The win moves the win streak to three and snaps the Warriors three game win streak. The victory also keeps the IceRays undefeated at American Bank Center this season. During the home stand, the longest of the season at five games, the Rays will automatically come away with an above 50% winning percentage and at worst would finish with 60%.
These two same teams will face off against one another again tomorrow in game two of the series. Tomorrow’s game is scheduled for 7:05 pm at American Bank Center. If you are unable to attend tomorrow’s game, you can watch the game on HockeyTV or listen to the game on the Brewster Street Ice House app.
