IceRays Extend Winning Streak to Five Games
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (25-18-5, 4th) prevailed in a shootout against the Shreveport Mudbugs (20-18-8) by a final score of 3-2 at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum on Friday night. The shootout victory marked the IceRays sixth win in the skills competition this season and secured their fifth consecutive victory, completing a perfect road trip.
“This was a gritty win,” said IceRays Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “We didn’t have our best the, but our group stayed composed, trusted our structure, and got big performances from Miceli and our shooters when it mattered most. That’s the kind of resilience you need this time of year.”
Only two whistles interrupted play in the opening 10 minutes as both teams eased into the contest. One of those stoppages led to the game’s first goal. Just four minutes in, a costly Shreveport turnover allowed Colin Watson to slam home his third goal of the season, giving Corpus Christi a 1-0 lead.
The IceRays maintained pressure and earned the first power play of the night, but Mudbugs goaltender Tyler Hodges delivered two highlight-reel saves to keep the deficit at one. After successfully killing the penalty, Shreveport responded when Jeremiah Roberts found Grayson Gerhard behind the IceRays defense for the equalizer with seven minutes remaining in the period.
Momentum swung again when former Mudbug Andrej Paricka restored Corpus Christi’s lead, chopping home his 14th goal of the season in his return to George’s Pond. Late in the frame, a double minor for high-sticking assessed to Shreveport’s Charlie Burchfield gave the IceRays a four-minute power play to begin the second period.
Corpus Christi was unable to convert on the extended advantage, managing just one shot against a strong Mudbugs penalty kill. Shreveport gained momentum and tested IceRays netminder Xander Miceli throughout the second. The 6-foot-4 goaltender stood tall, stopping all 11 shots he faced in the period. The Mudbugs outshot the IceRays 11-5 in the frame and earned two power plays but failed to capitalize, as Corpus Christi carried a 2-1 lead into the third.
Shreveport continued to press in the final period, and the IceRays bent but did not break for much of the frame. With under two minutes to play, the Mudbugs pulled Hodges for the extra attacker following an offensive-zone faceoff. After winning the draw, Johnathan Berdnt fired a shot that was blocked in the slot. Duke Ehrhard collected the loose puck and buried it through traffic to tie the game 2-2 with just over a minute remaining. For the eighth time in their last 13 games, the IceRays were headed to overtime.
The extra frame featured quality chances at both ends, but Hodges and Miceli each came up with critical saves. A late penalty drawn by IceRays defenseman Sam Troutwine gave Corpus Christi a 4-on-3 advantage for over a minute, but Hodges denied both shots he faced, sending the contest to a shootout.
Watson opened the shootout by snapping a shot into the top corner. After Shreveport’s Joseph Samango missed, both Johnathan Cifaldi and Ehrhard were turned aside in the second round. That set the stage for Alexandr Skuratov, who calmly walked in on Hodges, shifted to his backhand, and lifted home the clinching goal to secure the 3-2 victory.
NEXT GAME
The IceRays wrap up the season series with the Mudbugs tomorrow night at George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. Puck is scheduled for 7:11 p.m. CT in Shreveport, Louisian. Watch the action live on NAHLtv or listen for free on the Retro Radio CC App!
NEXT HOME SERIES
- Win a Truck Promo – March 6th Game
- Presented by AutoNation Chevrolet South Corpus Christi
- Fans who purchase a ticket to the game by March 4th are automatically entered to be selected to win
- Season Tickets Holders are automatically entered
- Select Participants will be randomly selected and notified on March 5th
- Must be 18 years of Age to qualify
- STEM Night – March 7th Game
- Presented by Gulf Coast Growth Ventures
- Students wearing school spirit shirts get in FREE
- 1000 Fidget Giveaway Items
- Robotics Exhibition on the concourse
- Hands-On STEM Table
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.
