Bucks big third

Published on January 28, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz were stride for stride with the best team in the Central Hockey League for 40 minutes, however the Laredo Bucks were too strong down the stretch and powered for four goals in the third period to beat the Rayz 7-3 Wednesday night.

The game opened up with a feverish pace with a seamless group of end to end rushes to start of the contest. Both teams traded chances and after a series of saves made by Rayz goaltender Craig Hillier and Bucks goaltender David Guerrera, the Rayz struck first. Jonathan St. Louis took a pass in the slot from Brad Wingfield. He got handcuffed and fanned on two chances, but never gave up on the play and caught Guererra out of position to give the Rayz a 1-0 lead. The Bucks answered later in the period as a late goal was scored by Jeff Bes after the Bucks worked the puck nicely from side to side before a shot beat Hillier and tied the game.

In the second, the fast pace continued. The Rayz came out of the gates fast and scored two goals to take a 3-1 lead. St. Louis got his second of the game on a wrist shot from the blue line that fooled Guerrera and 39 seconds later Patrick Levesque set up from the crease and took a pass from Dan Shermerhorn in the corner to extend the Rayz lead. However, the Bucks did not give up and tied the game before the second period ended. Goals by Serge Dube and a power play tally by Chris Grenville got the Bucks back even with the Rayz.

All season long the Bucks have shined in the third period. Tonight was no different as they poured out an onslaught in the final frame opening up for four goals in the last twenty minutes of the hockey game. James Velinga, Patrik Nilson, Serge Dube and J.F. David got goals as the Bucks scored the last six goals of the hockey game to close the books on Corpus Christi. Hillier made his first start as a member of the Rayz and was brilliant, making 30 saves, including several point blank chances throughout the game. The Bucks improved to a CHL leading 35-5-3 on the season, including a mark of 21-1-1 at home. The Rayz fell to 15-23-3 on the year, and remain nine points back from the playoffs.

Before the game, the Rayz announced that they had resigned Byron Pool, placed Jim Leger on IR, taken Cosmo Dupaul off of IR, had defenseman Chad Starling reassigned to Houston of the AHL and traded forward Nick Udovicic to Tulsa for Aaron Millar.

They will return home Thursday night as the Austin Ice Bats come to town. It's Delta Fly Away Night as one lucky fan will win a pair of tickets anywhere Delta flies in North America. Tickets are still available. Call 814-7825 for more information.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2004


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