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Rayz Come Back To Beat Rage 4-3

February 1, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Suffering from a short bench and losing streak, and facing a late third period deficit against one of the best teams in the CHL, the Corpus Christi Rayz responded with two late goals for a thrilling 4-3 come from behind win over the Rocky Mountain Rage. Joe Blaznek completed the comeback with a goal in the final two minutes, and assured the Rayz of finishing the week with at least a share of fifth place in the Southern Conference. The Rayz improved to 16-22-5 on the year, and their lead over the Amarillo Gorillas and remained at one point for the final playoff spot in the conference. The Rayz now head on the road for three straight games beginning Wednesday in Arizona. Corpus Christi returns to the American Bank Center on Feb. 15th to host the Laredo Bucks at 7:05pm. Tickets are on sale now. Call 814-PUCK for more information.

Rocky Mountain dominated the tempo early in the game, controlling the pace and holding the Rayz without a shot in the first half of the period. The Rage made it 1-0 at 2:19 when David Morelli scored a rebound of a Colt King shot. But after Jason Tapp made some big saves to keep the Rayz close, they turned the tide late. Niko Tuomi scored on a back door rush at 16:10 to tie the score. Just 1:31 later Chris Shaffer tallied on a rebound from the slot to give the Rayz a 2-1 lead after one period. The Rayz were outshot 13-8 in the period.

Early in the second period, Morelling got his second of the game when on a two on one rush Colt King's centering feed delfected off his body and into the net at 3:15. The held as the only goal of the period and the teams went into the third period tied 2-2. The Rage outshot the Rayz 16-10 in the second period.

At 13:34 of the third period, Morelli scored from an impossible angle positioned on the goalline on the right wing to give him a hat trick and the Rage a 3-2 lead. But the Rayz battled back. Adam Hogg got the equalizer at 15:21 and Joe Blaznek delayed around Scott Reid and beat the former Rayz netminder from the bottom of the left circle at 18:32 for the game winner.

Jason Tapp made 36 saves on 39 shots and improved to 16-18-4. Scott Reid made 31 saves on 35 shots, and fell to 19-6-3 with the win. The Rayz went 0-5 on the power play, and the Rage were 0-3. The Rage outshot the Rayz 39-35.

The Rayz are proud to be celebrating a decade of hockey in South Texas. Individual game tickets are currently available. Get your Rayz tickets today at www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet or the American Bank Center. Rayz group discounts are also available. For more information, please call the Rayz at 361.814.PUCK.

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