Rayz not enough for Sundogs in OT, lose 5-4

February 6, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Alex Leavitt tallied a goal and two assist to lead the Arizona Sundogs past the Corpus Christi Rayz on Thursday Night from the Tims Toyota Center. Leavitt's lone goal came in overtime after the Rayz' new defenseman, Jason Lepine, tied it up with 1:18 left in the game. The Rayz return home to the American Bank Center on February 15th at 7:05pm vs. the Laredo Bucks. Please call 814-PUCK for more information, or visit the Rayz online at www.ccrayz.com.

The Rayz were the first to strike. In his first game back from injury, Justin Quenneville scored on a shorthanded goal at 12:36 into the first period. The assist went to Chris Shaffer and the Rayz led 1-0. But, just over one minute later, the Sundogs would score on the same powerplay. Sundog defenseman Rob Lehtinen got the goal with assists by David Schlemko and Dan Laperriere. The teams went into the locker room tied 1-1.

With a two-man advantage, Arizona scored a goal just 19 seconds into the middle frame. The slapshot from Dan Laperriere (with helpers from Alex Leavitt and Chris Bartolone) sailed just past Tapp for the second Sundog goal. But, the Rayz would answer. Kevin Watters sent a centering pass to Adam Hogg who scored the game tying goal at 10:49. Then, on a powerplay opportunity, Joe Blaznek darted a puck past Arizona goalie Scott Talbot to put the Rayz up 18:18 into the period. The assists went to Justin Quenneville and Nicklas Lindberg.

Arizona forward Karl Sellan would tie things back up 6:50 into the third. Alex Leavitt and Olivier Latendresse helped with the Sundogs' first even-strength goal of the night. They would add another one at 11:36 into the period putting them up 4-3. Rob Lehtinen struck the twine with feeds from Barry Horman and Dusty Collins. Then, Jason Lepine, in his first game back in a Rayz sweater, scored a powerplay goal with just 1:18 left in the game to send the game to overtime. Geno Parrish and Kevin Watters notched the assists on the game-tying goal.

However, the Sundogs were just too much for the Rayz. Alex Leavitt scored an unassisted goal, 1:33 into overtime, to give Arizona the win, 5-4.

Jason Tapp made 54 saves on 59 shots and fell to 16-18-5. Robert McVicar got the win for Arizona after taking over in the 3rd period. He made 3 saves on 4 shots, and improved to 2-2-0 with the win. Scott Talbot made 13 saves on 16 shots. He did not figure into the decision. The Rayz went 2-7 on the power play, and the Sundogs were 2-10. The Sundogs outshot the Rayz 59-20.

The Rayz are proud to be celebrating a decade of hockey in South Texas. Individual game tickets are currently available. Get your Rayz tickets today at www.ticketmaster.com, at any Ticketmaster outlet or the American Bank Center. Rayz group discounts are also available. For more information, please call the Rayz at 361.814.PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 6, 2008


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