Bucks bounce back against Rayz

Published on February 8, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Laredo, TX - In the second straight game between the Corpus Christi Rayz and Laredo Bucks, the teams were same. The setting was the same. The rivalry was the same. But the style and flow of the game was very different, as was the result. The Bucks beat the Rayz 3-1 Tuesday night to tighten to gap between the clubs in the Southeast Division to five points. Corpus Christi remains in first place with Friday night's rubber match-up on the horizon.

Unlike Saturday night's matchup, the Rayz and Bucks came out fast and furious and there were great scoring chances at both ends in the opening period. The Bucks were the first team to strike at the 6:32 mark of the first period after Adam Paiement converted a give and go feed from James Hiebert from the bottom of the slot. Piament's goal was his 16th of the year and gave the Bucks their first goal against the Rayz in over 80 minutes of playing time. The Rayz came back to tie the game up at one after Greg Bullock lost a offensive zone faceoff, but anticipated a Laredo pass behind the net, intercepted it and found Jason Baird in the slot with a pass. Baird beat David Guerrera for his team-leading 26th goal of the year. The teams stayed scoreless the rest of the period went to the dressing rooms tied at one.

In the second period, the pace slowed a bit, however there were still chances at both ends. Brent Zelenewich and Guerrera were outstanding, however and kept the game 1-1 through two periods of play. For the second straight game, the two highest scoring teams in the Southern Conference headed to third period tied in a low scoring game.

However, this time it was the Bucks turn to capture the late lead. Darryl Lloyd started and finished a rush at 4:50 of the third period, to give the Bucks their lead once again. Lloyd rushed the puck up ice from the Laredo zone and after defenseman Phillippe Lauze pinched down the left wing side to keep the puck in, he hit Lloyd with a pass at the doorstop that Lloyd muscled just over the goal line. Rayz defenseman Bernie John tried to keep the puck on the line, but it just slid over, giving the Bucks the lead for good. Adam Paiement capped the scoring with his second goal of the game into an empty net goal with 5.4 seconds left. The Rayz remained in first place in the Southeast Division with 49, points and the Bucks crept within five of the Rayz with a 44 points on the year. Zelenewich was marvelous in defeat making 35 saves on 37 shots. Guererra made 24 saves for his ninth win of the season.

The Rayz will now return to Corpus Christi on Friday night to host the Laredo Bucks as the scene shifts to the Coastal Bend. Join the Rayz on Texas Lottery Men's Night. All male fans 18 and older will receive discounted tickets, starting at just $8(plus a $1.50 facility fee). Fans will have the opportunity to receive FREE lottery tickets and one lucky fan will receive a trip for two to Las Vegas. The Rayz will cap off their three-game set with the evil Laredo Bucks on Friday Night at 7:00pm.

Then on Saturday night, the Rayz host the Amarillo Gorillas for the first time this season. The game begins at 7:00pm, but get there early, because the first 500 kids will receive a souvenir Rayz puck, courtesy of Champion Chevrolet. One lucky couple will receive a romantic Valentine's Day getaway vacation at the game. Plus, stick around after the game for an autograph session with the Rayz at the Team Store inside the American Bank Center. Regular priced tickets start as low as $10(plus a $1.50 facility fee). All tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK or visit the Rayz online at www.ccrayz.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from February 8, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central