Friday, March 25, 2022
Wichita Falls 7, ICERAYS 4
The IceRays headed into Friday night’s game against Wichita Falls in hopes of snapping a three game skid. Although the Rays found the back of the net four times in the game, Wichita Falls skated away with the victory.
The Rays outshot Wichita Falls 14-11 in the first period, but they were not able to strike on any of the chances. It was the second period that the fun started for both sides.
In the high scoring second period, three for each side going every other one into the back of the net kept things even after two periods.
Starting the scoring for the Rays in the second period was Colby Seitz, as he went in on a 2-on-1 with Lincoln Whitaker who was able to dish the puck to Seitz for his ninth of the season. Seitz has been on a big of a hot streak with four goals over his last six games played.
The score was 2-1 in favor of the Warriors when a play developed out of the corner with affiliate Davis Borozinskis with the puck on his stick. He was able to find enough space to bury his first NAHL goal in his fourth game with the Rays.
Once again, Wichita Falls was able to gather the lead right back from Corpus, and found themselves on the man advantage with under two minutes to go in the period. A shorthanded rush sparked off with Colby Seitz and Michael Casey leading the way. Seitz sent a puck toward the net that deflected up and was slammed home with a baseball hack at it from Michael Casey.
A tie game into intermission changed into a 6-3 lead for Wichita Falls in the third period. The IceRays found their way to the power play late in the game and were able to strike to get back within two. The goal, set up by Borozinskis, was slammed into the back of the net by Michael Casey for his second goal of the night and third point.
Wichita Falls buried an empty net goal, which put the cherry on top at 7-4, which ties a season high of goals given up by Corpus. The Rays hit a post in a last second effort, but it was not enough as Wichita Falls won by the 7-4 score.
Saturday, March 26, 2022
Wichita Falls 4, ICERAYS 3
After a rough third period on Friday night against Wichita Falls, the Rays had a chance to bounce back on Saturday against the same opponent. The Rays had chances to take a lead late in the game but ultimately fell 4-3 to Wichita Falls.
Early on, the Rays and Warriors exchanged chances evenly between the two sides. Wichita Falls eventually capitalized on a chance of their own off of the stick of Joey Del Greco. The game remained at a 1-0 advantage in favor of the Warriors at the intermission.
After six goals were scored in the second period on Friday, a three goal period seemed tame with Wichita Falls striking twice to the IceRays once. The lone Corpus goal was scored by Lincoln Whitaker, his first in the NAHL. Assists on the goal were awarded to Crolley and Contreras.
Down two heading into the third, the Rays needed a response quickly, which they found off of the stick of Colby Seitz for his tenth of the season five seconds after a power play expired. The Warriors lead evaporated to zero five minutes later thanks to Crolley’s ninth of the season with the assist going to Borozinskis.
The Rays and Warriors were squared at three aside when chances galore came the IceRays way in the offensive zone. Chances is all the Rays had, though, as eventually Wichita Falls scored on a fluky goal to regain the lead at 4-3. It was a lead that they maintained through the rest of the game pushing through a late Rays extra attacker chance.
The Rays will be back at home next week as they host the El Paso Rhinos for a two game set on Thursday and Friday to close out the home portion of the season. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 on both nights. Stay tuned to our social medias to see promotions for the last home series.
