Bucks beat Rayz 2-1 in shootout

Published on March 3, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, TX - In the first of back to back games at the American Bank Center, the Corpus Christi Rayz and the Laredo Bucks played a tight checking, inspired, close game on Friday night. The Rayz, Scott Reid and Bucks, David Lemanowicz engaged in a great goaltending duel as the Bucks beat the Rayz 2-1 in a shootout. The Rayz now have points in three of their last four against the Bucks. The two teams will remain in Corpus Christi for an encore performance on Saturday night when the Rayz complete a four-game home-stand.

The Bucks got off to a strong start, scoring 3:08 into the hockey game. Forward Ladislav Kouba deflected a shot from the Rayz blue line and chased the puck down into the Rayz zone. He beat Scott Reid with a shot from the top of the left circle to give the Bucks a 1-0 lead. The Rayz tied it up shortly after when Bernie John scored at 6:44. Derrick McIver won an offensive zone faceoff cleanly to John at the top of the slot, and John blistered a shot past Lemanowicz for the game tying goal. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 14-8 in the opening period.

In the second period, the Rayz put on a penalty killing display. Corpus Christi killed off 8:10 of power play time for the Bucks, a two-man advantage for 1:05 to start the game. as the teams remained scoreless in the middle frame. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 14-6 in the period.

In the third period, both teams had chances, but again, no one found the back of the net. The Rayz again outshot their opponent in the third period 11-4. After a scoreless overtime session, the Rayz and Bucks went to a shootout. Kouba and James Hiebert scored for the Bucks, while the Rayz Randy Murphy was the only man to tally for Corpus Christi. Hiebert was credited with the game winning goal. The Rayz shootout loss dropped their record to 20-31-3 for 43 points. The Bucks won their fourth straight to improve their record to 36-13-6 for a Southern Conference leading 78 points. With the win, Laredo clinched a playoff birth, and needs only one point to clinch the Southeast Division title.

Reid was exceptional in the shootout loss, making 32 saves on 33 shots in regulation and the shootout, watching his record move to 13-16-2. Lemanowicz was stellar as well, making 24 saves on 25 shots to improve his mark to 15-4-3. The Rayz have now tallied points in three of their last four games versus the Bucks. Corpus Christi went 0-7 on the power play. Laredo went 0-9. The Rayz were outshot by the Bucks 33-25.

The Corpus Christi Rayz will complete their four game, home-stand with the second straight game against the Bucks on Saturday. It's a Youth Jersey Giveaway on Padre Staples Mall Night. The first 1,000 children to the game will receive a FREE Rayz jersey, courtesy of Champion Toyota. The game begins at 7:35pm. The doors open up at 6:30pm. For more information call 814-PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from March 3, 2006


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