Oilers skate past Rayz, 3-1

January 31, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Tulsa, OK - Marco Emond made 37 saves, including many highlight reel stops, to keep the Rayz at arm's length throughout Tuesday Night's game between the Corpus Christi Rayz and Tulsa Oilers. The Oilers skated to a 3-1 win, handing the Rayz the defeat in the first meeting between the clubs in nearly three years. Corpus Christi's record falls to 15-23-2 on the season, as the Rayz remain nine points out of the final spot in the Southern Conference playoff race. The Rayz return home Thursday and Friday night to host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs in back to back games. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

The Oilers got on the board first at 9:01 when Drew Otten jumped into the play and beat Brent Zelenewich from the left circle for his sixth goal of the season. The Rayz had several quality, point blank chances on Oilers goaltender Marco Emond, but were held off the score sheet in the first. The Oilers took a 1-0 lead into the locker room. Tulsa outshot Corpus Christi 15-11 in the first period.

In the second period, the Tulsa special teams took over and added a pair of goals to increase the Oilers lead. At 2:28 of the period while the Rayz were on the power play, Bernie John was hooked down at center ice. Tulsa then skated into the Rayz zone in a two on one rush, where Michael Young scored his second goal of the season to make the score 2-0 Tulsa. The Oilers added a goal at 9:47 on the power play when Jaroslav Cesky got his 25th goal and team-leading 53rd point, redirecting a shot from the slot. Much like the first period, the Rayz threw quality scoring chances at the Tulsa net, but Emond stood tight to preserve the 3-0 lead. The Oilers outshot the Rayz 15-11 in the period.

The Rayz got on the board in the third period to break their scoreless drought when defenseman Mike Rees inched in from the left circle and blasted a shot into the top, left corner of the net at 9:12. The goal was the first for the Rayz in a 291:57 span, and the first for Rees this season. After killing off consecutives penalties against, the Rayz came inches away from cutting the deficit even further when they pulled the goaltender. With an empty net and extra attacker, Chris Robertson beat Emond from the bottom of the slot, but rung his shot off of the crossbar and wide. Tulsa held on for the 3-1 win to earn their sixth straight win on home ice. The loss was the fifth straight for the Rayz.

The Oilers outshot the Rayz 43-38. The Oilers went 1-9 on the power play. The Rayz went 0-7. Zelenewich was outstanding, making 40 saves in defeat. His record fell to 6-11-1. Emond was incredible, as his record improved to 14-9-1. Tuesday night's meeting between the Rayz and Oilers was the first since Feb. 21, 2003 at the Memorial Coliseum, where Corpus Christi won 3-1.

The Rayz return home to face the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Thursday and Friday night at the American Bank Center. Thursday Night is Ladies Night, presented by Fine Jewelry Outlet. The Rayz will give away a $7,000 diamond in the Great Diamond Giveaway. To win, simply register at FJO in Moore Plaza and then be at the game on Thursday. Then on Friday, the Rayz will host a Pre-Super Bowl Party on Harley Davidson Men's Night, presented by Time Warner and Classic Rock 104.5FM. The Rayz will give away free Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans tickets, and offer discounts at the door to all fans wearing Seattle Seahawks or Pittsburgh Steelers gear. Discounted vouchers are also available at Corpus Christi Harley Davidson. Both games will begin at 7:35pm. The doors open at 6:30pm. For more information, please call the Rayz at 814-PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 31, 2006


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