Rayz crown Kings 3-2 in shootout

Published on December 15, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz and the Lubbock Cotton Kings met at the American Bank Center for the only time this season Friday night. After the wide-open, hard-fought, dramatic contest that more than 3,600 fans saw, it's a shame there won't be a South Texas encore. Kevin Watters had two goals, including the game winner in the seventh round of a shootout to the lead the Rayz to a 3-2 win over the Cotton Kings. Corpus Christi earned their seventh point in the last five games, and moved into sole possession of second place in the Southeast Division. The Rayz will now have Saturday night off before traveling to Rio Grande Valley Sunday afternoon to cap off the weekend.

The Rayz got on the board first when Ryan Carter tipped a shot past J.F. Perras at 3:06 to give the Rayz a 1-0 lead. The Kings tied the game up 10:00 when Trevor Weisgerber converted a two on two pass right in front of the Rayz net and deflected the puck in for the Kings. The Kings took their first lead of the game after the Rayz turned the puck over behind their net late in the frame and Lubbock capitalized. Jimmy Callahan took a centering pass from the corner and scored from just outside the crease at 19:10 to give the Kings a 2-1 lead heading into the break. The Kings outshot the Rayz 15-10 in the frame.

In the second period, the Rayz pulled even with the only goal of the frame. Kevin Watters scored off a rebound from the left circle on a power play at 4:02. Corpus Christi had a chance to recapture the lead shorthanded when Derrick McIver had a breakaway, but was denied by the left pad of Perras. The Rayz outshot Lubbock 14-7 in the period.

After a scoreless third period, the teams went to overtime, and wide open hockey ensued. The Rayz and Cotton Kings each received power plays and the Rayz had two different breakaways, but were denied. The teams went to a shootout and eventually Watters stepped up as the hero in the seventh round when he beat Perras to give the Rayz the win. Corpus Christi's victory over Lubbock was their first ever at the American Bank Center and snapped the Rayz four game home losing skid.

The Rayz win improved their record to 11-10-4 on the year, while Lubbock stayed above .500 at 10-9-2. Zelenewich made 36 saves and earned the win, upping his season mark to 3-4-1. Perras was brilliant making 40 saves on 42 shots, and staying even at 4-4-1. The Rayz win gave them points in four of their last five games. For the third straight game, the Rayz held their opponents scoreless on the power play. The Rayz went 1-5. Austin went 0-7. The Rayz outhsot the Kings 43-38.

Prior to Friday night's game, the Rayz placed rookie defenseman Jason Lepine on the 14-day injured reserve list and rookie forward Connor Hughes came off the IR. Hughes played in his first game since November 28th.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2006


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