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Rayz find posts and bad bounces in 2-1 loss

February 9, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Odessa Jackalopes had cited bad luck and bad breaks as the reason for their nine-game losing streak heading into Friday's weekend opener with the Corpus Christi Rayz. Friday Night, nine games worth of luck and breaks finally went Odessa's way. The Rayz hit five separate goalposts and Jacks netminder Derek Dolson made 33 saves on 34 shots as Odessa topped the Rayz 2-1 at the American Bank Center. The Rayz remained seven points out of first place with a 24-17-5 record. The 2-1 loss was the third of the same score that the Rayz suffered in their last four home games - the only losses in a ten-game span. Corpus Christi and Odessa will meet once again on Saturday night to cap off the back to back series.

After the Rayz hit two goalposts in the opening stanza, the Jackalopes scored the game's first goal late period. Following a defensive zone turnover by the Rayz, Odessa's Josh Legge found Blaine Bablitz slicing down the slot and fed him in front of a wide open cage for the Bablitz's seventh goal of the year at 18:57. The Jacks outshot the Rayz 12-9 in the period.

In the second period, it was more of the same as Odessa once again found the net and Corpus Christi found the post. The Jacks added to their advantage at 6:47 of the period. With a delayed call coming against the Rayz, the Jacks had an extra attacker and Matt Cressman slammed home a rebound chance to give Odessa a 2-0 lead. The Rayz hit the post three times in the second period, bringing their game total to five goalposts hit in the first half of the hockey game. Despite the great scoring chances and outshooting the Jackalopes 14-8 in the second period, the Rayz remained scoreless and headed to the final period trailing by a pair.

In the third period the Rayz got back into the hockey game after an undisciplined penalty from Jeff Ewasko. At 7:26, Ewasko dropped his gloves and started punching Rayz forward Blair Stayzer. He was given a five minute major penalty and a game misconduct. On the ensuing power play the Rayz got on the board when Jason Baird scored from the right circle at 9:49. The Rayz, however, would get no closer as chances at the end of the game were turned aside by Dolson to preserve the 2-1 victory for Odessa.

The Rayz loss was just their third in the last 12 games and fourth straight versus the Jackalopes. Vogel had his five game winning streak snapped, as he made 23 saves on 25 shots. He fell to 15-9-3 in the process. Dolson earned the win and improved to 5-8-1. The Jacks victory was their first since a 5-4 overtime win in Lubbock on January 13th. It also marked the first professional head coaching win for interim bench boss Doug Johnson, who improved to 1-5. The Jacks upped to 17-22-4 and 4-1 against the Rayz. The Rayz outshot the Jacks 34-25. The Rayz went 1-7 on the power play and the Jacks went 0-4.

The Rayz and Jacks return to action on Saturday Night on Champion Toyota Truck Night, introducing the All-New 2007 Toyota Tundra. The first 1,000 fans at the game will receive a free Toyota t-shirt. Plus Champion Toyota will give away a Playstation 3 and Allstate Insurance Agent, Loni Lugo is giving away a free Nintendo Wii at the game. Plus the Rayz will have fundraisers at the game benefiting the Corpus Christi Rise School. Fans can win many great prizes. It's all Saturday Night at the American Bank Center.

Corpus Christi is your town and the Rayz are Your Team! Come support the Rayz as they make a first place and playoff push in the final two months of the regular season. Regular priced tickets start at just $10. Group discounts are available for parties of ten or more. Come support your hometown team! For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

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