Rayz outlast Steelhounds, 2-1

January 12, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


For the fourth time in as many meetings this season, the Corpus Christi Rayz and Youngstown Steelhounds played a tight, back and forth game. In the end, Derrick McIver's power play goal in the closing minutes guided the Rayz to a 2-1 win over the Steelhounds. The Rayz win extended their home winning streak to three games and their all-time unbeaten streak against the Steelhounds to seven games. Corpus upped their season record to 16-14-5 and they increased their second place lead over the Austin Ice Bats to three points. The Rayz will put their home winning streak on the line Saturday night when they welcome in the Arizona Sundogs at 8:05pm. Tickets are on sale now. Call 814-PUCK for more information.

The Rayz got on the board in the opening period on a two-man advantage. Rayz leading scorer Justin Quenneville scored from the base of the crease at 15:49. The Rayz did an excellent job of limiting the Hounds chances and outshot them 11-4 in the opening stanza.

The Hounds equaled the score in the middle period at 5:20 when Tab Lardner redirected a power play goal past Brent Zelenewich. The teams traded chances for the remainder of the second period, but remained scoreless heading into the third period tied 1-1. The Rayz outshot the Hounds 12-11 in the period.

In the third period, the Rayz finally broke through with a decisive goal when McIver found a rebound at the left circle and slammed it home at 15:37. The Rayz killed off a late penalty and closed the door on Youngstown for the win.

The win for the Rayz was their fourth in the last five games at the American Bank Center and gave Corpus Christi an all-time mark of 5-0-2 vs. Youngstown. Zelenewich was superb, making 25 saves on 26 shots, improving to 6-6-2. The Hounds have just one win in their last seven games and dropped to 15-11-7. Brad Roberts played well in defeat making 29 saves on 31 shots, and fell to 7-5-2. The Rayz outshot the Hounds 31-26. The Rayz went 2-9 on the power play and the Hounds went 1-7. The Rayz scored multiple power play goals for the first time since Nov. 25th when they also played the Steelhounds. Hounds and CHL leading scorer Jeff Christian was held without a point for only the second time this season, snapping a franchise high 19 game point streak. The only previous time he finished a game with no points was Nov. 22nd vs. the Rayz.

On Saturday night at 8:05pm, the Rayz will face the expansion Arizona Sundogs on Champion Chevrolet Night. The first 500 fans to the game will receive a FREE souvenir puck. Call (361) 814-PUCK for more information. Tickets are available and start at just $10.



Central Hockey League Stories from January 12, 2007


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