Rayz fall just shy of Killer Bees 4-3 in OT

December 1, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz clawed back three different times on Friday night, but eventually fell to Rio Grande Valley 4-3 in overtime at the Dodge Arena. Mike Looby scored the game winner 2:55 into the extra session to give the Bees their fourth win in the last five games. Corpus Christi earned a point to give the Rayz points in seven of their last eight games. The clubs are now tied with 19 points, and join the Laredo Bucks in a three-way logjam at the top of the Southeast Division. The Rayz and Bees will continue their home and home series Saturday night at the American Bank Center. Tickets are available. For more information please call the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

The teams played a wide open start to the game and both clubs got on the scoreboard quickly. Rio Grande Valley tallied first when Rob Voltera deflected a Mike Looby shot underneath Ron Vogel at 4:28 to give the Bees an early 1-0 lead. Just one minute and 15 seconds later the Rayz tied the score when Corpus Christi newcomer Nicklas Lindberg scooped up his own rebound and backhanded it past Jeremy Symington for his first goal as a member of the Rayz in his CHL debut. The Bees outshot the Rayz 12-8 and the teams closed the opening period tied at one.

The Killer Bees bookended the middle frame with early and late goals to take a lead into the third. Jonathan Robert picked up an opportunistic goal after Vogel misplayed a rebound to Robert who lifted a backhand into the net to give Rio Grande a 2-1 lead at 1:36. Rayz captain Matt Turek tied the score for the second time tonight when he beat Symington shortside from the right circle at 14:25. Just before the period ended, the Bees scored to take their third lead of the night. Bill Newson scored from the right edge of the slot at 19:29 to give the Bees the 3-2 advantage. Corpus Christi put a season-high shot total on net in the frame outshooting Rio Grande 21-15.

In the third period the Rayz turned to their power play for a dramatic close to regulation. On the fifth and final power play if the night, Derrick McIver scored a rebound goal for the Rayz at 17:54 to tie the score at three and send the game to overtime.

In the extra session, Mike Looby ended it with a rebound goal at 2:55. The Bees overtime win was their first of the season, and gave Corpus Christi their first overtime loss of the year.

The Rayz overtime loss moved their record to 8-7-3 on the year. The Bees improved their record to 9-6-1. Vogel took the OT loss making 31 saves on 35 shots. His record moved to 6-5-2. Symington made 42 saves on 45 shots to win his sixth game of the year improving to 6-1. The Rayz outshot Rio Grande 45-35. Corpus Christi went 1-5 on the power play. Rio Grande went 0-5. Corpus Christi now has power play goals scored in each of their last seven contests.

Prior to the start of the game, the Rayz signed Lindberg and placed rookie forward Connor Hughes on 14-day injured reserve, where he joined veteran defenseman, Geno Parrish. Lindberg began the year with the Bakersfield Condors of the ECHL where he had two goals and five points in eight games. Lindberg had spent the last two years with the Pensacola Ice Pilots where he totaled 27 goals and 81 points over two years. Last season, Lindberg was teammates with Corpus Christi captain Matt Turek at the beginning of the season, before Turek left to play in Italy.

Corpus Christi will continue their week in Rio Grande Valley on Friday Night in the first of a home and home set. The Rayz will return to the American Bank Center on Saturday Night, December 2nd for the second FJO and Planet Ladies Night of the season. The Rayz will host the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees and it's another installment of the FJO Great Diamond Giveaway, Presented by Planet 102.3FM. The Rayz will give away a $6,000 diamond at the game, guaranteed. Simply register at FJO for your chance to win. Plus, the Rayz will welcome, Latin sensation Gabriel Soto to the game where fans can meet and take photographs with the world renowned model, actor and singer.

Then on Sunday, it's Corpus Christi Caller-Times Family Day as the Rayz host the Laredo Bucks at 3:05pm. Kids 12 and under (limit two) will receive free tickets to the game with the purchase of a regular priced adult ticket. Plus fans can skate with the Rayz in a free Post-Game skating session on the ice. Bring your skates or rent them at the American Bank Center. Tickets are available for all three games. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2006


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