IceRays Save the Best for Last and Beat Texas, 3-2
November 28, 2010 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release
FRISCO, TX - It took an overtime period, but the Corpus Christi IceRays found a way to defeat the division-leading Texas Tornado, 3-2, at the Dr Pepper Arena Sunday afternoon. Michael Benedict's team-leading 13th goal in the extra session proved to be the difference as the team concluded their seven-game road trip with four victories. With the win, Corpus Christi is now 11-12-2 (24 points) overall while the overtime loss drops the Tornado to 18-5-4 (40 points). It was the first victory against the Tornado and first overtime victory for the IceRays this season.
Marco Wieser was stellar in between the pipes making 37 saves while Sam Cheraso and Ryan Gauthier (1-1-2) chipped in with goals for the Rays. Gauthier's third-period goal was the first of his NAHL career.
At the 18:11 mark of the first period, Cheraso (8) snapped an 11-game personal scoring drought and put the IceRays ahead, 1-0. New addition Ryan Gauthier set up Cheraso from the bottom of the right-wing circle and Cheraso one-timed a hard shot past Jake Stafford. Joey Parizek collected the other assist. It was the only tally of the period as Marco Wieser turned aside all 11 Tornado shots. The IceRays had six shots in the period.
Texas used the power play to their advantage midway through the second period to tie the game at 1-1. At the 13:15 mark of the period Rock Einersen (17) scored his third goal on the weekend as he collected a loose puck in the crease and beat Wieser. Jack Prince and Ralfs Freibergs assisted on the goal. The score remained tied with Texas outshooting Corpus Christi, 12-2.
In the third period, the IceRays turned defense into offense to retake the lead. First, Wieser made the save of the season as he redirected a Tornado shot with the paddle of his stick after diving across his crease. On the ensuing breakout, Gauthier (1) went top-shelf from the left-wing circle over the blocker pad of Stafford to put the IceRays on top, 2-1, 14:29 into the period. However, the Tornado went back on the power play and converted at the 16:41 mark when J.D. Howard (12) banged home his own rebound. The goal forced overtime as the Tornado outshot the IceRays by a 17-5 margin.
Corpus Christi ended the game in overtime on a rare five-on-three power play after the Tornado was called for tripping and delay of game penalties. Benedict (13) made Texas pay as he slotted one past Stafford off a Kyle Hughes shot and won the game for Corpus Christi, 3-2, 1:54 into the extra session.
THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
(1) J.D. Howard (1-0-1)
(2) Marco Wieser (37 saves, win)
(3) Rock Einersen (1-0-1)
The IceRays return home for two games at the American Bank Center against the Amarillo Bulls. The series opens on Friday, December 3 at 7:05 PM and concludes on Saturday, December 4 at 7:05 PM. Fans can catch the pre-game show on the flagship home of the IceRays, News/Talk 1440 KEYS, www.1440KEYS.com, with the voice of the IceRays, Ryan Holt, beginning at 6:50 PM. The game will be available online through the league's pay-per-view website, www.fasthockey.com. For more information call the Rays' front office at 361.814.PUCK (7825) or crash the net at www.goicerays.com.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 28, 2010
- Topeka Strikes Back, Beating Bulls 5-4 - Topeka Pilots
- Black Friday Haunts 'Runners in 3-2 Loss - Topeka Pilots
- IceRays Save the Best for Last and Beat Texas, 3-2 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- IceRays Sting Tornado in Overtime, 3-2 - Texas Tornado
- North Stars Sweep Warriors - Michigan Warriors
- Wild tops Hitmen - Wenatchee Wild
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