NAHL Corpus Christi IceRays

Late Heroics by 'Rays Not Enough in 4-3 Shootout Loss

Published on September 21, 2013 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


BLAINE, MINNESOTA - Eric Purcell scored with only 22sec left in regulation to force overtime but the Port Huron Fighting Falcons edged the IceRays 4-3 in a shootout to finish out the 2013 NAHL Showcase on Saturday morning.

The puck came out to the defense and Joe Costello forced a turnover that resulted in a two-on-one rush with Danny Middleton. Costello ripped a shot from the top of the right wing circle and beat Port Huron goaltender Alex Blankenberg over the shoulder 6:26 into the game for a 1-0 lead.

Just eight seconds later the Fighting Falcons returned the favor with a three way pass that was started as Alex Archibald hit Mitch Maloney with a pass. Maloney then one-tapped the puck right to an awaiting Bryan Yim with an easy back-door goal to knot the game up at one goal apiece at 6:34.

After 20min of play the "˜Rays held a 10-6 lead in shots.

Port Huron moved out to a 2-1 lead on a shot from the right wing circle by Noah Batis that seemed harmless but somehow found a way through IceRays goaltender Scott Albertoni unassisted at 12:31 of the second frame.

In the final period Tony Roisum struck early for Corpus Christi at 2:52 of the third with a wrist shot in the right wing circle. The goal is his first with the IceRays.

Port Huron answered back once again this time on the power-play. Landon Lambdin beat Scott Albertoni late in the third with 2:51 left to go on the clock. Assists were given to Reed Scahill and Jonathan Kopacka.

In stunning fashion with only 22sec remaining in the game Eric Purcell pounded home a rebound in front of the net as the goalie was pulled to force overtime with assists from Grant Hutton and Kyle Froese.

However, in a shootout it was the Fighting Falcons scoring twice to get the extra point and the win 4-3.

The IceRays return to the American Bank Center for home opening weekend against the Lone Star Brahmas. Puck drops at 7:05PM, coverage begins at 6:50PM with the IceRays Pregame Show on SportsJuice.com, ustream.com, and fasthockey.com.

Check out the Corpus Christi IceRays Statistics

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 21, 2013


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