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NAHL Corpus Christi IceRays

Kircher Buzzer Beater Gives IceRays 2-1 Overtime Win

March 19, 2016 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS - Forward Toby Kircher scores the latest goal in IceRays franchise history as the Corpus Christi IceRays (23-25-6) finish the weekend with a thrilling 2-1 overtime win over the Lone Star Brahmas (35-11-8) on Saturday night at the NYTEX Sports Centre. The IceRays finish the season series with a 4-6-2 record against the Brahmas.

The first period continued in the theme of much of the season series: the Brahmas pressing early and often. With their press, they were able to capitalize on an individual effort within the first half of the frame. At 6:52, Brahmas forward Carson Kelley dipped through the IceRays defense and slipped the puck around the sprawling netminder to the left side to take a 1-0 lead. The rest of the frame remained close with the IceRays keeping pace following that goal.

Once again, the netminders were the stars of the second period. IceRays goaltender Dryden McKay turned away a breakaway effort by Brahmas forward Peter Kessel and numerous chances and redirections coming from down low. Brahmas netminder Corbin Kaczperski looked strong on the other side, turning aside big chances off turnovers from his teammates that left high scoring chances in down low and through the slot. Each side put up double-digit shots with the Brahmas holding that advantage 12-10.

The magic began late in the third period for the IceRays. At 14:05, IceRays forward Stevie Bryant found a pass from defenseman Colton Meekhof coming off the bench and buried a shot from the blue line to tie the game, 1-1, and send the game into overtime. The IceRays held a power play in overtime but couldn't convert on the chance. As time expired, IceRays forward Toby Kircher found a loose puck in the slot and sniped a shot by Kaczperski to seal the 2-1 win and earn the full two points.

McKay (13-11-2) earned the win, stopping 30 of 31 shots, while Kaczperski (22-6-3) picked up the loss, halting 27 of 29 shots. The IceRays return to the American Bank Center on Friday, March 25 and open a two-game set against the Odessa Jackalopes. Tickets are available at www.Ticketmaster.com, the American Bank Center Box Office, or the IceRays Front Office. Coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. on SportsJuice.com, www.FASTHockey.com, and 87.7FM in-arena.

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