IceRays Sweep Odessa with 5-4 Overtime Win
Published on December 4, 2015 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release
ODESSA, TEXAS - The Corpus Christi IceRays (8-12-3) found their second-straight overtime winner to overtake the Odessa Jackalopes (10-9-3) 5-4 on Friday night at the Ector County Coliseum. The IceRays earn their second weekend sweep of the year and their first since Oct. 2-3.
Like the previous night, both sides lit up the first period with the Jackalopes scoring first. Forward Brandon Tucker pushed the home side ahead, 1-0, at 2:54 of the opening frame before the IceRays answered in a large way. Forward Andy McGlynn was found in the middle by forward Mason Krueger to slot his first goal in ten games to knot things up, 1-1, at 3:36. Before the mid-way mark, the IceRays capitalized on their first power play of the night at 9:15 thanks to forward Brad Power to take a 2-1 lead. McGlynn added his second of the contest under two minutes later at 11:52 also coming from Krueger to double the lead, 3-1. The Jackalopes pulled netminder Dean Shatzer in favor of Gunnar Rivers, and after the change they answered before the end of the frame at 17:31 with a shot from the right circle by defenseman Connor Stuart to force a 3-2 scoreline heading into intermission.
Each side exchanged goals in the second period with Odessa notching first. At 9:35, forward Eric Carreras was helped by a screen in front of the net to tie the game, 3-3, on the power play. Late in the period, IceRays forward Regen Cavanagh slipped a five-hole shot by Rivers to take back the lead, 4-3, at 17:51.
The Jackalopes forced overtime thanks to a third period goal by forward Oliver Celec at 6:27 to tie the game again, 4-4, though couldn't win it in regulation despite a strong effort at the end of the third period. In overtime, the IceRays found their second-straight game-winner in the extra frame thanks to an unassisted carry and goal by forward Toby Kircher at 3:09 to seal the 5-4 win and the full weekend sweep.
IceRays goaltender Graham Hunt (4-6-2) earned the win, saving 31 of 35 shots, while Rivers (6-3-1) picked up the overtime loss with a 25-for-27 save performance in relief of Shatzer, who stopped five of eight shots. The IceRays return to the American Bank Center on Friday, Dec. 11 to open a two-game set against the Amarillo Bulls on Grades For Blades Night, presented by 7-Eleven. Tickets are available at www.Ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office, or by calling 361-814-PUCK.
North American Hockey League Stories from December 4, 2015
- Clarke Honored as Defenseman of the Month - Lone Star Brahmas
- Unsolved Puzzle - Lone Star Brahmas
- Bruins Shut Out Wings to Move Back into First Place - Austin Bruins
- Weekend Preview: Dual Road Games - Lone Star Brahmas
- IceRays Sweep Odessa with 5-4 Overtime Win - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Jr Blues Fall to Coulee Region - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Tomahawks Shut out Titans 1-0 - Johnstown Tomahawks
- Bulls Host Brahmas on Saturday Night - Amarillo Bulls
- Weekend Preview - New Jersey Titans
- Rebels to Have Teddy Bear Toss Night for CAADC - Philadelphia Rebels
- Amarillo Bulls Drop a 5-2 Decision to Topeka - Amarillo Bulls
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.
