Bucks Beat Rayz 2-1 In Shootout, Clinch Fourth Straight Playoff Berth

March 3, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Laredo Bucks News Release


CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The Laredo Bucks clinched a playoff berth for the fourth straight season by beating the Corpus Christi Rayz 2-1 in a shootout at the American Bank Center. The Bucks have won four straight and have recorded points in eight of their last nine games. Laredo is 36-13-6 with a Southeast Division and Southern Conference best 78 points. The Bucks are in Corpus Christi again on Saturday. The Bucks magic number to clinch the Southeast Division title is two points. For more information on 2005-06 Bucks single game or season tickets call the Bucks office at (956) 718-BUCKS (2825) or log onto www.laredobucks.com.

Laredo came out and drew first blood early. Forward Ladislav Kouba blocked shot in the Bucks end, then hustled down the deflected puck in the neutral zone and fired a shot as he crossed the Rayz line into the net at 3:08. It was the 20th of the season for Kouba. The Rayz tied it as defenseman Bernie John scored on a slap shot from the slot at 6:44.

In the second period the Bucks worked on a two-man advantage that carried over from the first period, but were unable to capitalize. The Bucks went 0-5 on the power play in the second period as they unsuccessfully tried to take the lead and the game remained tied at one goal apiece.

Neither team was able to score in the third period and the game went to sudden death overtime. The Bucks managed the only shot in overtime, but the game remained tied.

In the shootout Kouba scored on a beautiful backhand move and then James Hiebert gave the Bucks a 2-0 lead in the shootout and they held on for the victory as goalie David Lemanowicz stopped four of five Rayz attempts. FINAL SCORE Laredo 2, Corpus Christi 1 in a shootout.

Lemanowicz stopped 24 of 25 shots and four of five in the shootout to get the win and improve to 15-4-3. Scott Reid stopped 32 of 33 shots, but allowed two of five to score in the shootout and fell to 13-16-2. Laredo went 0-8 on the power play while the Rayz were 0-7. The Bucks out shot Corpus Christi 34-25.

Laredo Bucks season tickets are on sale for the 2005-06 CHL campaign. Season tickets are the only way to guarantee your seats for every Bucks game at the LEC. Season ticket holders enjoy exclusive offers including pre-season and post-season parties. Contact a Bucks representative today at (956)-718-BUCKS (2825).



Central Hockey League Stories from March 3, 2006


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