Hiebert Gives Texas 1-0 Lead In Opening Round Over 'Rays

March 22, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Fort Worth Brahmas News Release


NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas (March 22)- Playoff hockey was played at its best Monday evening in Corpus Christi when the Brahmas took a 1-0 lead in the opening round with a 5-4 overtime victory over the IceRays.

Texas came into Corpus Christi looking to erase a woeful regular season road record with a fresh start in the postseason. Things looked to go their way when Lee Jubinville was called for interference putting Texas' penalty killing unit on the job, which proved to be lethal in the regular season. The leading scorer for the Brahmas, Jordan Cameron broke up a pass at the blueline and found daylight against goaltender Kevin Beech scoring a shorthanded breakaway goal to put Texas up 1-0. Before the opening frame ended the IceRays scored four seconds into a powerplay as they won the faceoff draw sending the puck to Jason Tessier to fire past Brett Jaeger from the point.

The teams returned in the second only to have Cameron called for boarding :27 seconds into the period. The Brahmas franchise leader in points and current 'Rays forward Chad Woollard put his team up by one when his wrister beat Jaeger with only seconds remaining on the powerplay. It appeared as if the home team would take a two goal lead in the middle frame but thanks to a strong defensive effort from Brahmas defenseman Ross Rouleau keeping an open net and loose puck out of reach for the 'Rays, the teams entered the second intermission 2-1.

Special teams continued to be the story in the final period when Justin Kinnunen scored the equalizing goal on Texas' sixth powerplay opportunity. Assists were credited to Rouleau and Tyler Skworchinski. Chris Richards regained the lead for Corpus with a powerplay goal from his knees in front of Jaeger's net. Not even a minute later Jason Deitsch faked out the IceRays defense as he patiently handled the puck in front of Beech's net to tie the game at three all. The 'Rays with the man advantage were a puzzle that couldn't be solved for the Brahmas when a fourth powerplay goal was scored at the 8:21 mark in the third by Steven Later.

Time dwindled down in the game calling for the extra Texas attacker and an empty net. With just :17 seconds remaining forward Tyler Skworchinski buzzed in front of the Ray's net and scored a goal to send the game into a sudden death overtime.

The Brahmas entered the game with an overall 5-5 record in overtime in the playoffs and was in the hunt to improve the.500 record. In a tight game the Brahmas looked to veteran James Hiebert's experience and shot for the game winner when he hammered the puck with five minutes remaining in the extra period for the 1-0 lead in the opening round in the playoffs.

Game Two of the best of three series against the Corpus Christi IceRays will be hosted at the NYTEX Sports Centre Wednesday evening for a 7:05 PM faceoff. For tickets to the game please contact the Brahmas Box Office at (817) 336-4423 or visit www.brahmas.com. Please note Game Two tickets will be marked as "Home Playoff Game One".



Central Hockey League Stories from March 22, 2010


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