Rayz fall to Bucks, 3-0

Published on January 28, 2006 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, TX - In a rematch of Friday night's game in Laredo, the Corpus Christi Rayz offered a gritty effort and a much different match-up against the Bucks. However, the high-powered Bucks offense methodically chopped away at the Rayz, and their defense stood tight in a 3-0 Laredo win. The Bucks tallied a goal in each period, and Dov Grumet-Morris made 21 saves for his third shutout of the season. Corpus Christi suffered their fourth straight loss, dropping their record to 15-22-2 on the season. The Rayz will look to regroup with four straight games against Northern Conference opponents, beginning Tuesday when they travel to face the Tulsa Oilers.

In the first period, right off the bat the Rayz came out with an intensity that showed Saturday would be a different game than the previous night's loss in Laredo. The Rayz were skating with energy, finishing their checks and forcing the issue early against the Bucks. However, the high intensity led to a quick penalty against the Rayz and Laredo capitalized. Chris Grenville slammed a puck home from the top of the crease 1:44 into the hockey game on the power play to give Laredo a 1-0 lead. That would be the only goal of the first period, as the Rayz and Bucks played a back and forth period for the remainder of the frame.

In the second period, Grenville added another goal to increase the Bucks lead to 2-0. The Rayz committed a turnover at center ice, and the Bucks charged into the zone three on two, and Grenville converted a pass from the left side of the crease at 4:03 of the period. The Rayz outshot the Bucks 7-4, however could not beat Bucks goaltender Dov Grumet-Morris.

The Bucks completed the scoring with a shorthanded goal from Brent Cullaton at 4:12 of the third period. Cullaton broke behind the Rayz defense to catch up to a loose puck and beat Brent Zelenewich (22 shots, 19 saves) on a breakaway for his ninth goal of the season. The win was the fifth straight for the Bucks who improved their Southern Conference leading record to 27-10-3 and 57 points. Zelenewich was saddled with the loss, watching his record fall to 6-10-1, while Grumet-Morris improved his season mark to 9-3-1. The loss marked their fourth consecutive by shutout for the Rayz, who have not scored in a span of 242:45, dating back to a 6-4 win over Wichita on Jan 20th. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 22-21. The Rayz went 0-5 on the power play, while the Bucks were 1-7. The Rayz are now nine points behind the Austin Ice Bats for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Southern Conference.

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 FJO. 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. Both game will begin at 7:35pm. The doors open at 6:30pm. For more information, please call the Rayz at 814-PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2006


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