Sports stats



NAHL Amarillo Bulls

Bulls Stop Rays 4-2 for Seventh Straight Victory

December 1, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Amarillo Bulls News Release


AMARILLO, TX - Another early first period deficit, again not a problem for the Amarillo Bulls.

Three second period goals and an insurance marker in the third, erasing a 2-0 deficit, lifted the Bulls past the Corpus Christi IceRays 4-2 in front of a crowd of over 3,000 fans on Saturday night at the Budweiser Bull Pen in the Amarillo Civic Center.

It was the Bulls seventh win in a row and ninth on home ice without a regulation loss. Topeka RoadRunners and Texas Tornado were also victorious on Saturday leaving the Bulls in a second place tie with the Tornado, one point back of Topeka. The Bulls and Corpus Christi will close out their two- game home stand on Sunday afternoon at an early start time of 4 o'clock.

It was a tale of two different hockey games as the Bulls got off to a slow start in the first 20 minutes, but rallied with better play in the second and then a strong defensive effort to close out the contest.

"Honestly, I didn't think our effort was there and I didn't think we executed tonight, but we got rewarded for a win," said Bulls Head Coach Dennis Williams. "I thought we just went through the motions tonight, but we got the win and that's what counts. We had some timely goals by guys, and Tyler Deresky had a big night for us. It was also a really good play by John Rey who found Ryan Cole open at the side of the net to seal the win."

The Amarillo Bulls started quickly in the first period but it was the IceRays that would collect the game's first two goals. Both were tallied on two-on-one breaks up the ice four minutes apart. Each team had a power play, but couldn't score. The IceRays outshot the Bulls 8-7.

The second period was all Bulls as they got their offense moving in fine fashion with three goals. Michael Davis cut the deficit to 2-1 when he finished off a play from Tyler Deresky and Matt Sieckhaus. Carter Penzien tied the game 2-2 just over four minutes later when his shot hit the inside of the post and was called a goal. The Bulls took the lead 3-2 on a big shot from Tyler Rostenkowski from Tyler Deresky and Matt Sieckhaus at 16:21. The Bulls outshot the IceRays 14-9 in the second period.

It was a solid defensive effort by the Bulls in the third period to thwart any type of comeback by the IceRays. Paul Berrafato who gave up the two goals early in the first, settled down and made some big saves to keep his team in front. The Bulls rounded out the scoring when Ryan Cole scored on the power play from John Rey and Tyler Deresky at 18:45.

Despite each team having nine third period shots, the Bulls still had the advantage over the final 60 minutes 30-26. There were nine total power plays with the Bulls going 1 for 6, and the IceRays were 0 for 3.

Box Score - Amarillo Bulls 4 Corpus Christi 2

Fans won't want to miss the game on Sunday afternoon at a special start time of 4 pm. Those fans who show up at the Box Office wearing a sports jersey will receive a free ticket to the game. Buzula Furniture is giving away a Recliner valued at over $500 to one lucky fan during the game.

Tickets are available at the Bulls Office located at 301 South Polk, Civic Center Box Office and all Panhandle Ticket Outlets. For further information on Group Rates, Birthday Party Packages or Seven-Game Flex Packs, please call the Bulls Office at 806-242-1122.

Check out the Amarillo Bulls Statistics

• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...

North American Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2012


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.

Other Recent Amarillo Bulls Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central