IceRays' Comeback Falls Short in Series Opener Against Rhinos, 4-2
NAHL Corpus Christi IceRays

IceRays' Comeback Falls Short in Series Opener Against Rhinos, 4-2

Published on October 17, 2025 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Corpus Christi IceRays (4-6-0) came up short in a comeback attempt Friday night, falling 4-2 to the El Paso Rhinos (4-5-1) at the Hilliard Center. Rhino's goaltender Michael Modelski shined in net, making 33 saves to remain undefeated on the season.

The IceRays' struggling penalty kill was tested early, facing two infractions within the first 10 minutes. Despite some chances, including a shot off the post by El Paso, Corpus Christi successfully killed off both penalties to keep the game scoreless. At the halfway mark of the period, the IceRays flipped the momentum when Nick Sinani buried a one-time missile from the slot to make it 1-0. Jack Mackenzie and Jonathan Pylypuik picked up assists on Sinani's third goal of the season and first since opening weekend.

El Paso responded just two minutes into the second period with a deflection by Raphael Laviollete to tie the game. IceRays goalie Vladislav Bryzgalov, making his second consecutive start, had been stellar up to that point. Both teams traded power plays throughout the middle of the frame but came up empty. The tie was broken late in the period during a net-front scramble, where Rhinos forward Brendan Murray lifted a fadeaway shot over Bryzgalov's shoulder to give El Paso a 2-1 lead heading into intermission.

A choppy start to the third period slowed the IceRays attack, with El Paso nursing their one-goal advantage. However, Corpus Christi broke through before the halfway point. Forward Grayson Gerhard led a 3-on-2 rush and slipped a pass to Billy Biedermann, who set up Easton Swift for a blast that tied the game at two on Swift's first goal of the season.

Six minutes later, coming out of a media timeout, the Rhinos won an offensive zone faceoff and found Murray in front to poke home his second goal of the game, restoring a 3-2 El Paso lead.

Corpus Christi made a final push in the last three minutes with an empty net but couldn't beat Modelski, who sealed his third consecutive win. El Paso added an empty-net goal in the dying seconds from Jackson Potulny to secure a 4-2 victory.

NEXT GAME

The IceRays are back in action tomorrow night at the Hilliard Center to wrap up the series against the Rhinos! Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 Saturday night.

Tickets start at just $5! Student and Active Military Tickets are available at the Hilliard Center Box Office with valid ID.

Grab tickets now at www.goicerays.com, on Ticketmaster, or at the Hilliard Center box office. If you can't make it to the rink, catch the action live on NAHLTV or listen by downloading the Retro Radio CC app on your favorite smart device!

POST GAME SKATE

The IceRays are happy to announce the return of the fan favorite Post Game Skate presented by RFTC following the conclusion of Saturday's game against the Rhinos. Post Game Skate's this season are FREE and available to all ages. In order to participate, fans must register at a table located in the concourse of the arena.

Check out the Corpus Christi IceRays Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



North American Hockey League Stories from October 17, 2025


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.

OurSports Central