IceRays Clinch Playoff Spot with 1-0 Shutout of Topeka
Published on April 6, 2019 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The Corpus Christi IceRays are headed to the 2019 NAHL Robertson Cup Playoffs thanks to a 1-0 win Friday against the Topeka Pilots. Samuel Vyletelka made 36 saves in his first career NAHL shutout. Matthew Headland scored on Corpus Christi's first shot of the night to record the only goal of the game.
The 4-seed IceRays will meet the 1-seed Amarillo Bulls in the first round of the playoffs starting next weekend in Amarillo. The full best-of-five series schedule will be announced later this weekend.
Headland's goal came 2:26 into the first period, receiving the puck at the blue line and firing a shot past Topeka goaltender McLean Dorr's left-hand blocker. The goal was Headland's fifth of the season, and marked the fifth assist of the season for both Nick Godfrey and Anthony Yurkins.
Vyletelka remained strong to earn the shutout. The IceRays were shorthanded in the game's final 1:58, plus Topeka pulled Dorr in favor of an extra attacker, but the Pilots were kept off the board.
The IceRays will be in the playoffs for a third-consecutive season. With the loss, Topeka was eliminated from the playoff race.
The IceRays and Pilots close the regular season Saturday night at 7:05 PM, concluding "Pack the House for Charity" Fan Appreciation Weekend presented by AFGE, The Storage Place, 1st Class Towing, H-E-B, Tukasa Creations and Ruben's Fleet Service. All tickets (best available) are just $5 courtesy of Corpus Christi Downtown Management District. The IceRays will wear special Ronald McDonald jerseys, same as Friday night, which will be auctioned off immediately following Saturday's game to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Corpus Christi.
Saturday also marks the final post-game skate of the season, presented by Braselton Homes. Join the team on the ice for approximately 45 minutes following the game. Admission is $9 including skate rental or $7 for fans who bring their own skates.
Stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays) and Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays). Visit goicerays.com or call 361-814-PUCK (7825) for tickets or more information.
North American Hockey League Stories from April 6, 2019
- Playoff-Bound IceRays Close Regular Season with 4-1 Win - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Bruins Thwarted by Bobcats in Regular Season Finale, 6-2 - Austin Bruins
- Steel Beat the MN Magicians in Season Finale - Chippewa Steel
- Tomahawks Fall to Rebels 3-1 - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Black Bears End Season with Overtime Thriller against the Knights - Maryland Black Bears
- Pilots Can't Net Late Equalizer, Fall 1-0 to IceRays - Topeka Pilots
- Quick Hits: NAHL Game 60 Preview - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights
- Wings Close out Regular Season with Road Sweep of Wilderness - Aberdeen Wings
- Mudbugs Drop Heartbreaker to Brahmas - Shreveport Mudbugs
- Bulls Edge Jacks in OT - Amarillo Bulls
- Jacks Fall in Overtime 3-2 - Odessa Jackalopes
- IceRays Clinch Playoff Spot with 1-0 Shutout of Topeka - Corpus Christi IceRays
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