IceRays Extend Win Streak to Season Long Six Games
AMARILLO, TX — The Corpus Christi IceRays (19-15-3) grinded out their second consecutive overtime victory over the Amarillo Wranglers (14-19-3) by a final score of 3-2 Saturday night. Easton Swift played the overtime hero with his 11th goal of the season to extend the IceRays win streak to a season long six games. It also marks the first sweep of the season away from the Hilliard Center.
“That’s a complete team win,” said IceRays Head Coach Kevin St. Jacques. “We didn’t have our best start, but our guys stayed composed, competed every shift, and trusted each other. Griffin was outstanding in net, our special teams came through when we needed them, and Easton made a great play in overtime. That’s the kind of effort that builds confidence and wins hockey games.”
For the second straight night, the IceRays took a penalty in the opening minute, giving the Wranglers an early power play. Amarillo tested IceRays goaltender Griffin Davis, making his first start since December 2, but failed to convert for the fourth time on the weekend. The Wranglers stayed on the attack and soon took a 1–0 lead when Alfons Jentler buried a rebound. Midway through the period, an altercation between IceRays defenseman and Wranglers forward Tyler Tsoukalas sent both to the locker room, but a Tsoukalas aggressor penalty gave Corpus Christi a power play. The IceRays capitalized before intermission as Johnny Maruna blasted home his sixth power-play goal to tie the game 1–1.
Amarillo struck early in the second period to restore a one-goal lead on Kirill Evstigneev’s fourth goal of the season. The Wranglers had several chances to extend the lead, but Griffin Davis made two key saves on captain Jacob Miller to keep the IceRays within one. Amarillo’s third penalty of the game put Corpus Christi on the power play, and once again Johnny Maruna found the back of the net to tie the game at 2–2. Maruna’s second goal of the night, his 13th of the season, came with just two seconds remaining on the advantage. Neither side could break the deadlock, and for the second straight night the teams headed to the final frame tied.
Chances continued to mount in the final 20 minutes of regulation, but Davis was superb in net, turning aside all 10 shots he faced in the period. At the other end, Gavin Shahn was equally sharp, making 12 saves as the IceRays pressed for the go-ahead goal. A late penalty to Corpus Christi sent the IceRays back to the penalty kill, but they held firm, finishing a perfect six-for-six on the weekend. For the second straight night, the game was decided in overtime.
Amarillo generated two quality chances early in the extra frame, but Davis stood tall to keep the IceRays alive. On their first sustained possession of overtime, IceRays forward Easton Swift pulled away from his defender, drove the net, and slipped a forehand past Shahn to seal a 3–2 overtime victory for Corpus Christi over Amarillo.
NEXT SERIES
The IceRays return home to the Hilliard Center next Friday, January 23, and Saturday, January 24, for a two-game series against the Odessa Jackalopes. Saturday is Stinger Ray’s Birthday Bash! Kids 12 and under get in free with a purchase of an adult ticket. Activities at Stinger Ray’s birthday include face painting, games, balloon artist, dancing, and more!
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.
