Preseason opener sure to be a thriller

Published on October 13, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, Texas: October 13, 2004 – The Corpus Christi Rayz will kick-off their 2004 pre-season schedule Thursday vs. the New Mexico Scorpions at the Memorial Coliseum. Each time the two clubs owned by WD Sports meet, it is guaranteed to be an interesting game. This time around, changes to the actual game play assure that this game will be no different. The Rayz and Scorpions will play a very unconventional game, which is sure to display a lot of fast-paced, skilled talent and keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

The Rayz and Scorpions will play twice during the regular season this year, but no meeting will be quite like Thursday's pre-season opener for both teams. Rayz Head Coach, Ken McRae, Scorpions Head Coach, Bill McDonald and everyone in attendance will get a good look at both squads in various situations early on in the exhibition schedule. The format of the game will differ from a normal hockey game. For the first period, standard CHL rules will apply. However, in the second and third periods, they will be quite different from anything fans are used to seeing.

The second period will begin with the teams exchanging two man advantages for six minutes apiece. The team trailing after the first period will skate five against three to open the period and after six minutes have ticked off the clock, the teams will switch the two man advantage. Any penalties during this time will result in a penalty shot for the opposing team. Fans will see plenty of scoring opportunities while the coaches are able to see many of their players in different game settings. The period will finish in a four on four, even strength format. Penalties can either be enforced or a penalty shot can be taken by the team victimized.

The third period will be just as exciting and filled with scoring chances as the entire twenty minute frame will consist of three on three hockey. The final period will test the players' skill, endurance, speed and hockey sense. If a penalty is called, the teams will skate three on two, and any second, overlapping penalty will result in a penalty shot. A five-minute overtime session will consist of a five on five skating situation, with each team losing a man with each passing minute, finally resulting in a one on one culmination to the game. This game will be a one-of-a-kind spectacle that fans won't want to miss. Tickets to all the Rayz pre-season games at the Memorial Coliseum are only $5 and start at 7:05pm. For tickets, call the Rayz at (361)814-7825.

The Rayz will begin the 2004-05 season in Austin on October 22nd, and host the Laredo Bucks in the first ever event at the all-new AmericanBank Center on November 5th and 7:05pm. The Rayz will host three preseason games, including one versus the Mexico National Hockey Team in the Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, October 16th. Preseason games begin on Thursday, October 14, 2004. Make your plans to be a part of all 30 Corpus Christi Rayz home dates this season. Group rates and corporate sponsorship packages are currently available. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK or log on to the Rayz website at www.ccrayz.com.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Central Hockey League Stories from October 13, 2004


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.

OurSports Central