Rayz, Jacks provide fireworks on New Year's Eve

Published on December 31, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, TX - In the final game of 2005, the Corpus Christi Rayz and Odessa Jackalopes packed almost a year's worth of offense into Saturday Night's game at the American Bank Center. The Rayz scored more goals than they had scored in 20 games this season, however the Jackalopes out dueled them, beating the Rayz 9-6. The loss capped off the Rayz 2005 calendar year with a 1-2 week. The Rayz will enter 2006 with a 12-15-1 record and 25 points. Corpus Christi ends the year in third place in the Southeast Division. The Rayz will open up the new year on Friday night, when they host the For Worth Brahmas on Ladies Night. Tickets are available. For more information, call the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

A wild start to the game featured six goals in the opening frame. Sebastien Thinel cored his first goal 33 seconds into the game, setting the pace of the offensive outburst. The Jacks increased their lead to 2-0 when Dominic Leveille jumped on a rebound for his 11th goal of the season. The Rayz responded with goals 39 seconds apart from Chad McIver and Jay Hardwick to tie the score 2-2. Corpus Christi then took their first lead of the game when Randy Murphy converted a Derrick McIver pass 14:36 into the frame. Less than a minute later, Matt Cressman redirect a shot past Scott Reid for the Jacks third goal of the game. The teams went into the third period tied 3-3.

In the second, the scoring pace started back up quickly. 1:43 into the middle frame Mike Carter recaptured the lead for the Jackalopes. Then 1:25 later, Bernie John blasted a slapshot through traffic into the top right corner for a power play tally that tied the score 4-4. However, from there the Jackalopes took control of the game. Three straight goals closed the third period and put Odessa comfortably ahead. Sebastien Thinel got his second of the game 10:43 into the second on a gorgeous backhand shot from the bottom of the right circle. Paul Davies then scored at 15:35, and Pascal Bedard finished off a nice tic-tac-toe play that made the score 7-4 at the end of two periods.

In the third period, the Rayz pulled goaltender Scott Reid (23 shots, 16 saves) in lieu of Brent Zelenewich (7 shots, 5 saves). Corpus Christi started a comeback when Tim Vitek scored his first professional goal on a shorthanded rush 2:15 into the period. However, all momentum was stolen back by Odessa when John Kozoriz scores his first of two straight shorthanded as well. Less than five minutes later, Kozoriz notched a power play goal to make the score 9-5. Rayz defenseman, converted forward scored his first professional goal to cap off the scoring. The Jackalopes win extended their CHL-high winning streak to six games. The Rayz went 2-7 on the power play. The Jacks went 1-4. The Rayz outshot the Jacks 39-30. Reid got the loss, as his record fell to 8-10-1. Derek Dolson (39 shots, 33 saves) earned the win to improve to 3-1. The Rayz wore specialty Tuxedo-Style jerseys to commemorate their New Year's Eve Tux and Pux Party.

The Rayz will stay in Corpus Christi to kick off 2006 on Friday night, when they host the For Worth Brahmas on Fine Jewelry Outlet Ladies Night, presented by K-99. It's another installment of the Great Diamond Giveaway. The Rayz will give away a $6,000 diamond to one lucky fan - Guaranteed. To become eligible, fans must register at Fine Jewelry Outlet in Moore Plaza. While there, fans can get tickets to a special FJO section for only $8. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 31, 2005


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