IceRays come back to stun Bees in shootout

February 27, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Steve Later scored a power play goal in the final minutes to force overtime, and Ryan Bennett had the game winner in a shootout as the Corpus Christi IceRays slipped past the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 3-2 on Saturday night at the State Farm Arena. The IceRays win marked their first win in a shootout this season, and the first time they overcame a second intermission deficit for a win. The IceRays improved to 25-22-7 on the season, and moved six points ahead of the Killer Bees for the final playoff spot in the Southern Conference. They also climbed within six points of the Texas Brahmas and Laredo Bucks who are tied for the number three spot in the Southern Conference. The IceRays will return to action on Thursday night at 7:05pm when they host the Texas Brahmas on College Night and Dollar Menu Night at the American Bank Center. College students will receive discounted tickets starting at just $5, and all fans can get $1 hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas at the game. For more information, please call the IceRays at 361.814.PUCK or visit them online at www.goicerays.com.

The only goal of the first period came on the first shot for Rio Grande Valley. At 2:07 of the period, the Killer Bees on a power play, Zak McClellan broke into the offensive zone at ripped a slapshot past Kevin Beech from the right circle to make it 1-0 Killer Bees. The score remained that way through the frame with the Bees and IceRays each posting eight shots.

The teams traded goals in the second as Rio Grande kept their one-goal lead. The Killer Bees made it 2-0 when Stacey Bauman scored on a slapshot from the blue line at 4:46. The IceRays got on the board, and within one, when Kyle Peto scored on a power play at 15:22 with a slapshot from the right circle. The IceRays outshot the Bees 11-8 in the period, but trailed heading into the third.

The IceRays peppered the Bees in the final period, but Wylie Rodgers stood tough. With time winding down, the IceRays pulled their goaltender on a power play and Steve Later scored on a one-timer from the left point at 18:27 to force OT. After a scoreless overtime, the IceRays went 2-5 in the shootout getting goals in the third round from Later, and fifth round from Bennett to clinch the victory. The Bees went 1-5 in their attempts with Topher Scott scoring to extend the game in the fifth round.

Kevin Beech (14-6-3) earned the win, making 22 saves on 24 shots. Wylie Rogers (8-8-3) took the OT loss making 34 saves on 36 shots. The IceRays power play went 2-7 and the Killer Bees went 1-5. The IceRays outshot the Bees 37-24 in the game.

The IceRays will return to action on Thursday night at 7:05pm when they host the Texas Brahmas on College Night and Dollar Menu Night at the American Bank Center. College students will receive discounted tickets starting at just $5, and all fans can get $1 hot dogs, popcorn, and sodas at the game. For more information, please call the IceRays at 361.814.PUCK or visit them online at www.goicerays.com.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 27, 2010


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