Corpus Christi Suffers Second Shootout Loss Of Week

December 12, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi IceRays earned points for the second time in three games this week, but also ran their winless skid to five games with a 3-2 shootout loss to the Missouri Mavericks at the American Bank Center on Saturday night. The shootout loss was the IceRays second this week, and fourth in as many opportunities this season. Corpus Christi's record fell to 8-11-4 with the loss, and 0-3-2 in the last five games. The IceRays remain home to host the Laredo Bucks on Thursday night, followed by the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Friday night. Both games are at 7:05pm at the American Bank Center. Take advantage of Thursday night's $1 menu and half-priced beers on Frosty Friday. Tickets are currently available. For more information, please call the IceRays at 361.814.PUCK or visit them online at www.goicerays.com.

The clubs played an even first period with the only two goals coming inside a minute span. The IceRays played a more inspired start after Friday's loss, and forced the issue with good pressure and solid physical play. But it was Missouri that took the first lead of the game when Brett Hammond scored a rebound goal from just outside the crease at 15:16. The IceRays answered when Adam Powell scored on a breakaway at 16:15. The goal continued the hot weekend for Powell, who scored his third goal and fourth point in four periods, dating back to Friday. The Mavs outshot IceRays 11-9 in the period.

The teams played a mostly-scoreless second period until the IceRays were able to break the tie with a late goal. At 18:49, the Rays dumped the puck into the offensive zone where Ryan Bennett got it in the right circle and play it off the ice towards the crease. Jereme Tendler cutting to the net, deflected the puck out of mid air and past Doug Groenestege to give the IceRays their first lead at 2-1. Both teams had 12 shots in the period.

In the third period the Mavericks forced overtime when Jeff Christian entered the offensive zone on a two-on-one and delayed into the left circle where he scored at 4:20 to tie the score 2-2. After a scoreless remainder of the period and overtime, the Mavs outlast the Rays in a shootout. Groenestege stopped all five IceRays shooters and Bill Vandermeer was the only of four shooters to score for Missouri earning the game-winning goal.

Kevin Nastiuk (4-5-2) made 31 saves on 33 shots and stopped three of four in the shootout taking the overtime loss. Doug Groenestege (7-4) earned the win stopping 25 of 27 shots, and all five in the shootout. The IceRays power play went 0-5 and the Mavericks went 0-4. The IceRays were outshot by the Mavericks 34-27 in the game.

The IceRays remain home to host the Laredo Bucks on Thursday night, followed by the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Friday night. Both games are at 7:05pm at the American Bank Center. Take advantage of Thursday night's $1 menu and half-priced beers on Frosty Friday. Tickets are currently available. For more information, please call the IceRays at 361.814.PUCK or visit them online at www.goicerays.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 12, 2009


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