An evening of endings

Published on October 19, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas: October 18, 2004 – Monday night was a story with many endings for the Corpus Christi Rayz.  The Rayz concluded their pre-season schedule with a 5-3 defeat at the hands of the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.  They also finished their tenure inside the Memorial Coliseum.  The Rayz closed the doors on the building they called home for six years and will now move into the AmericanBank Center beginning with their home opener versus the Laredo Bucks on Friday, November 5th.   The Rayz began the evening with a sentimental feeling as they welcomed back nine former players to introduce to the crowd.  The Coliseum crowd cheered for the ex-Rayz including Jody Praznik – the first ever member of the team, Kurt Wickenheiser – the team's all-time leading scorer, fan favorites Dustin McArthur, Paul Beaudoin, Pat Dunn and others while they were introduced prior to the start of the game.   The feeling of nostalgia lasted throughout the evening, as all night long, fans were introduced to members of the staff behind the scenes who have helped make the Memorial Coliseum a happy home for the Rayz for six seasons.   The Killer Bees hopped out to an early lead midway through the first period when Ryan Shmyr scored his first of two goals on the evening.  The Bees were up 3-0 before the Rayz could get on the board when Frank Werner slipped the puck past Bees goaltender, Jacques Vezina at the 10:11 mark of the second period.  The teams exchanged goals before the second period ended and the clubs went to the third period with a 4-2 Bees advantage.    The Rayz would inch within one goal in the third period when the rookie forward, Ken McKay picked up a loose puck and blistered it past Vezina for Corpus Christi's third goal of the night.  However, that's as close as they would get, as the Killer Bees added a late empty net goal to seal the 5-3 victory.  The loss capped the Rayz pre-season record at 1-3.  Despite the losing effort, Rayz goaltender Brent Zelenewich shined in net, posting 28 saves, including many from point blank range.  The Rayz also once-again established their physical presence on the ice as rookie, Britt Dougherty fought twice with Rio Grande defenseman, Darcy Smith and the Rayz' Chad McIver threw big hits all evening.    As the horn sounded the Rayz bid farewell to the Coliseum and all the fans who came out to see them in their Igloo finale.  Fans can now look forward to a new era in Rayz hockey in a different setting.  The AmericanBank Center promises much entertainment and success in the future, however the Coliseum will always remain part of the Rayz storied past.   The Corpus Christi Rayz will begin their seventh professional hockey season on Friday, October 22nd in Austin as they take on the Austin Ice Bats.  The Rayz will play the first four games on the road before returning home on November 5th for their home opener and the first ever event in the all-new AmericanBank Center.  Individual tickets start as low as $10 and group packages are available.  Make your plans to be there as the Rayz open the doors on Corpus Christi's newest attraction.  Call the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK for more information.

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Central Hockey League Stories from October 19, 2004


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