Johnathan Cifaldi Tallies Lone Goal for Corpus Christi in Loss
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (0-2-0) surrendered seven unanswered in a 7-1 defeat to the Shreveport Mudbugs (2-0-0) Friday night at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. Johnathan Cifaldi registered the lone IceRays goal on a power play in the first.
Shreveport put Corpus Christi on its heels in the opening five minutes, peppering young goaltender Yegor Batsokin with shots for the IceRays. Batsokin was sensational, stopping seven shots to hold the Mudbugs at bay in the early going.
The game’s first penalty went to Mudbugs defenseman Mark Miller, sending the IceRays to the power play midway through the opening frame. Against the run of play, IceRays returner Johnathan Cifaldi slipped a backhand shot past Michael Heinke on Corpus Christi’s first shot of the game to put the IceRays ahead 1-0.
As the period progressed, so did the physicality and intensity, with both sides trading big hits and blows. The first fight of the night went to Corpus Christi’s Jacob Wingfield, who squared off with Mudbugs forward Logan Prium. Meanwhile, the Mudbugs’ attack overwhelmed Corpus Christi late in the frame, and Shreveport finally broke through when Antoine Cormier swatted a rebound past Batsokin to send the game to the first intermission tied 1-1.
The floodgates began to open for Shreveport in the second period as the Mudbugs continued to come in waves, much as they had in the opening 20 minutes. Eli Shulman gave the Mudbugs their first lead of the night 5:30 into the period, beating Batsokin on the blocker side with a wrist shot from the top of the circle.
Shreveport did not let up. Just over a minute later, Evan Hoglund capitalized on a shanked one-timer to double the lead to 3-1. Corpus Christi managed just two shots in the second period but held firm late on the penalty kill to keep the deficit at two entering the final frame.
Shreveport wasted little time capitalizing on the remaining power-play time in the third period. Jonah Jasser deflected a pass from Duke Ehrard past Griffin Wright, who had replaced Batsokin midway through the game, to make it 4-1.
The Mudbugs continued to pour it on the rest of the way, with Hoglund scoring his second of the night to make it 5-1. Sean Goodman added another to extend the lead before Robin Israelsson delivered the final blow on the power play, converting the man advantage to make it 7-1.
The IceRays finished the night with just 10 shots, while Heinke earned the win in net for Shreveport.
NEXT GAME
The final exhibition game of the weekend takes place tomorrow night at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. Puck drop is set for 7:11 CT p.m. Saturday night. Tune in to the game on NATV for FREE. Pregame show stars 15 minutes before puck drop.
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OPENING WEEKEND
The action all culminates with Home Opening Weekend on September 11 and 12, presented by Hilliard Law. The IceRays will host the El Paso Rhinos on Friday and Saturday at the Hilliard Center, with puck drop scheduled for 7:05 p.m. both nights.
The first 1,500 fans through the doors on Friday will receive an IceRays Schedule Magnet, while the first 1,500 fans on Saturday will take home an IceRays Rally Towel.
Opening Weekend tickets are ON SALE NOW at https://www.ticketmaster.com/corpus-christi-icerays-tickets/artist/841448
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.
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