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IceRays Week in Review

November 4, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


ICERAYS REWIND: The IceRays dropped 3 straight games this weekend to fall to 3rd place in the Southeast Division with an overall record of 4-4 (8 points). Trouble started brewing on Halloween night when the Odessa Jackalpoes enacted some revenge for a previous loss against the Rays by taking out the home team 4-2. The Rays and Jacks were tied at 2 heading into the final 20 minutes after Matt Sharuga's (Edmonton, ALB) shorthanded tally at 19:10 of the second period, but John Bossio and Kevin Hansen scored 4:30 apart to play the trick on the IceRays and provide the final outcome. On Friday, the IceRays helped the expansion Laredo Bucks debut the brand new Laredo Entertainment Center in front of 8,000 screaming fans. It was a momentous occasion on several accounts, one that even included player introductions and a little "Lets Get Ready To Rumble" from Las Vegas Ring Announcer Michael Buffer. Unfortunately, while the IceRays brought their fighting gloves (83 penalty minutes), they couldn't stop Eric Schneider (hat-trick) and the rest of the Bucks who opened at home with a 7-3 triumph. The Rays top line of Rob Giffin (Toronto, ONT), Layne Roland (Vernon, BC), and John Sicinski (Mississauga, ONT) continued on their torrid pace accounting for 6 more points (2 goals and 4 assists) as Sicinski netted both goals with helpers from Roland and Giffin, but it wasn't enough to overcome the pesky Bucks. Looking to snap a 3-game losing streak, the IceRays battled divisional rival Austin for the first time in 2002-2003 on Saturday. The Rays had little luck against the Bats last year (1-6-4) and were hoping that the new season would bring new fortunes. In an action-filled game throughout, the Ice Bats got a late goal from Dan Price at 13:09 in the third period to break a 1-1 tie, and turned to goaltender Matt Barnes to preserve the victory. Barnes stopped 32 of 33 IceRays' shots including 19 in the final frame to give the IceBats a 2-1 win.

TOP GUNS: The Sicinski-Giffin-Roland line combined for another strong weekend with 3 goals and 6 assists in 3 games. Sicinski now has 7 goals which puts him tied for second behind Eric Schneider of Laredo (9). Meanwhile Giffin continues to lead the CHL in assists with 11 and is tied for second in scoring with 14 points. Roland's 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) puts him tied for third amongst the league leaders.

IT'S OUR SPECIALTY: Until yesterday's 2-1 loss to Austin, the IceRays had scored a power play goal in their last 6 games. During that stretch the Rays went 11-42 (26%) with the man advantage. Overall, the IceRays are third in the CHL on the power play converting 11 times on 58 chances (19%), and are well above the league average, which is 13.6%.

...OR SO WE THOUGHT: Meanwhile the IceRays saw another streak snapped in yesterday's game, but one that they will surely take. The IceRays had given up a power play goal in their last 6 games, including both a season and league-high of 6 on Friday night in Laredo. During that stretch the IceRays penalty kill was operating at just 37-52 (71%). For the season the IceRays rank 14th in the CHL on the penalty kill at 79%.

JUST CALL HIM ROCKY: Forward Kenny Goetz (Edgewater Park, NJ) is at it again. Goetz leads the league in both penalty minutes (75) and majors (9) 8 games into the season. Last year Goetz set an IceRays record with 368 penalty minutes and was second in the CHL in majors behind Todd St. Louis of Fort Worth.

"ICERAYS MONDAY" DEBUTS: After strong storms in the area knocked out the transmitter at Pacific Broadcasting last Monday, the Corpus Christi IceRays are proud to announce that "IceRays Monday" will once again debut tonight from 5PM-6PM on ESPN Radio 1230 KSIX. The Voice of the IceRays Dan Weiss hosts the show each and every Monday, and is joined by IceRays Head Coach Al Sims and several IceRays players. "IceRays Monday" is looking to go on the road every Monday to get fans integrated with what the show has to offer. If you or someone you know is interested in hosting the show, please contact Dan Weiss at (361) 814-7825 or Bill Durner at (361) 814-3800.

UP NEXT: The IceRays will look to snap a four game losing streak Friday night against the San Angelo Saints at the San Angelo Coliseum. The two teams will return to Corpus for the rematch Saturday night at the "Igloo". Both games start at 7:05PM, and can be heard on 104.5FM The Octopus with Dan Weiss and Rick Dames, or on the Internet at www.icerays.com. Broadcast time begins at 6:30PM both nights with "IceRays Pregame."



Central Hockey League Stories from November 4, 2002


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.

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