Rayz Leave Bees Black and Blue

Published on January 17, 2004 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Corpus Christi, TX – Saturday night's game between the Corpus Christi Rayz and the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees was supposed to be a defensive struggle. Someone forgot to tell the Rayz.

Five different Rayz players scored goals and Greg Hewitt made a season-high 44 saves as the Rayz controlled the tempo from the outset and blasted the Killer Bees 6-1 in front of a sold out crowd at the Memorial Coliseum.

There was a feeling of old-time hockey in Corpus Christi as the Rayz battered and bruised their opponents both on the scoreboard and the ice to the tune of 3,455 screaming Rayz fans who had plenty to cheer about. The Rayz enforced the physical play throughout the game and also converted their scoring chances, creating for a full 60 minutes of hockey.

"That had been the problem in the past," said Rayz forward Jonathan St. Louis who had the game winning goal and an assist. "We weren't playing a full 60. But now we're focusing more and I think we're playing better."

Corpus Christi jumped out to an early lead when Dan Shermerhorn scored on a power play 2:39 into the game. One touch passing that seemed easy for the Rayz tonight created the open space for Shermerhorn who beat Bees goaltender Jacques Vezina. The Rayz quickly made it 2-0 when St. Louis took a pass and moved in one on one against Vezina, and deked out the netminder for his 12th goal of the year. Shermerhorn deflected a shot late in the opening period to add to the lead and make the score 3-0.

In the second period, it was more of the same as the Rayz found the back of the net once again as Matt Noga scored his first goal as a member of the Rayz to increase the lead. Brad Wingfield and Ken Richardson would round out the scoring as the Rayz, who never trailed in the hockey game, didn't allow the Killer Bees a chance to climb back into the game.

Richardson's late goal was a beautiful one, as the Rayz captain entered the zone on the left side and sharply stopped up causing Bees defenseman Mike Rees to fall down. Richardson patiently waited as he cut towards the net, faked a shot, and then went around Vezina and slid the puck into the empty net. Richardson also proved himself as a physical force in the contest as he fought Andrew Taylor in the first period.

The Rayz earned their first victory under new Head Coach Malcolm Cameron in just his second game. Cameron and six of his players came to the Rayz earlier in the week. All of Cameron's additions have made an immediate impact on the Rayz. Tonight, Matt Noga had a goal and two assists. Matt Medvecz had three assists. Gary Zinck played sound defensive hockey and added an assist and Paul Dunphy got the Rayz only goal Friday night against Laredo.

As for Hewitt, he has been absolutely brilliant since dawning a Rayz Jersey. In two games he has faced 87 shots and surrendered only three goals. He has lived up to the reputation that preceded him to Corpus Christi. Hewitt consistently denied the Bees opportunities to make the game close, as he made pad and glove saves from all angles, robbing Bees players one after another.

With the win, the Rayz improved to 14-20-3 and now sit only five points back from Rio Grande Valley and eight points back from Austin, who lost to Lubbock on Saturday night. The Rayz also maintained a game in hand over both clubs. With the Rayz out skating, out playing and out hitting the Killer Bees, the capacity crowd at the Memorial Coliseum was reminded of how exciting hockey in Corpus Christi can be. With 27 games remaining in the season, and ground still needing to be made up in the standings, the Rayz still have their work ahead of them, however the way the team played Saturday night, Corpus Christi is once again a force to be reckoned with in the Central Hockey League.

The Rayz next game will be Monday night as they host the Lubbock Cotton Kings at the Memorial Coliseum. It is Two for One Night as Rayz fans can purchase one regular priced ticket and receive a second one free. Seats are still available, but going fast. Call (361) 814-PUCK for more information and be there Monday night for a special Holiday night of Rayz hockey.

Notes: The Rayz went 1 for 2 on the power play...The Killer Bees went 0 for 3...The Bees outshot the Rayz 45-29, equaling the season-high for shots given up by the Rayz...All three Rayz veteran forwards in the lineup scored goals...Hewitt recorded an assist on Wingfield's goal, giving all former Columbus Stars players except backup goaltender Craig Hillier (who is yet to see action yet) points in a Rayz uniform...Rayz defenseman Mike Rodrigues got an assist extending his point streak to four games...The Killer Bees now have just one win in their last eight...The Rayz improved to 4-2 against Rio Grande Valley in their first year of existence...Bees forward Troy Linna left the game in the second period after a collision with Dan Shermerhorn. Reports indicated that Linna had a back injury, and he did not return.

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Central Hockey League Stories from January 17, 2004


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