Sports stats



IceRays Gain Point In 4-3 Shootout Loss To Arizona

March 9, 2010 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The IceRays picked up one point after a wild, third period comeback that saw three separate lead changes in an eventual 4-3 shootout loss to the Arizona Sundogs. Corpus Christi increased their lead to three points over Rio Grande Valley with even games played, and six remaining in the regular season. Three of the final five games will come against Rio Grande Valley. The IceRays moved to 26-24-8 on the season, and 1-7 in shootouts. They collected points for the sixth time in their last seven home games. The IceRays will continue their four-game week on Wednesday night with a trip to take on the Laredo Bucks at 7:00pm. The game can be heard in South Texas on ESPN 1230AM.

The IceRays came out and dominated play to start the game, outshooting the Sundogs 11-2, but could not get anything past Doug Groenestege. With about seven minutes left in the frame, the Dogs started to turn the tide in their favor and ripped off nine unanswered shots to close the frame. That included the only goal of the period. Early into a Sundogs power play, at 18:27 Jason Visser tucked in his own rebound past the skates of Kevin Beech to make it 1-0 Sundogs. Each team had 11 shots in the first period.

It was more of the same in the second period with the IceRays outshooting the Sundogs 16-9, but neither team finding the scoreboard. The Sundogs held their 1-0 lead heading into the final frame.

After only one goal in the first forty minutes, the teams combined for five in the final period. The IceRays finally broke through against Groenestege with a Ryan Garbutt rebound goal at 3:51. Less than four minutes later at 7:31, Chad Woollard tapped in a setup on the crease from Chad Costello to give the IceRays their first lead of the night. But it was one that was short lived. The Sundogs answered with an Adam Smyth power play goal from the slot at 9:58 to tie the game 2-2. Then at 11:15 Rob Lehtinen scored on a shot through a screen from the left point that returned the lead to Arizona. But the IceRays rallied for one more comeback. Woollard redirected a Kyle Peto shot into the net on a power play at 13:37 to tie the score. After a scoreless overtime, the teams went to a shootout where the IceRays converted one of seven chances, and the Sundogs converted two of seven. Steve Potvin was credited with the game winner in the seventh round.

Kevin Beech (15-8-4) took the shootout loss, making 36 saves on 39 shots. Doug Groenestege (18-12-4) earned the win making 39 saves on 42 shots. The IceRays power play went 1-8 and the Sundogs went 2-4. The IceRays outshot the Sundogs 42-40 in the game.

The IceRays will travel to Laredo on Wednesday night at 7:00pm. The game can be heard on ESPN 1230AM in South Texas. They then return home on Saturday and need your help for two of the biggest fundraisers in the Coastal Bend. First, in the morning at 9am, the IceRays are forming a team in Walk MS at Heritage Park. The walk is part of a city-wide fundraiser to increase awareness and money for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis. Then, that night at 7pm, it's the IceRays biggest night of the season on Pack the House Night for Walk MS. Proceeds from the game will benefit Walk MS. Plus, at the game March 13th, one fan is guaranteed to win an 8 thousand dollar diamond in the Fine Jewelry Outlet Great Diamond Giveaway. Visit Fine Jewelry Outlet in the Sunrise Mall for info on free registration. There also will be a post-game jersey auction, presented by AT&T, Harley Davidson, and Budweiser, and Caller-Times Family Four packs of tickets for $34. Call 814-PUCK. 814-7825 or visit goicerays.com and join the IceRays fight against MS.

• Discuss this story on the Central Hockey League message board...

Central Hockey League Stories from March 9, 2010


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.

Other Recent Corpus Christi IceRays Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central