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Rayz split homestand, head back to road

December 21, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Season Record: 12-8-3 (27 points) Home Record: 7-2-1 (15 points) Away Record: 5-6-2 (12 points)

Week in Review: The Corpus Christi Rayz returned to the Coastal Bend over the weekend and went 1-1 against Oklahoma City and Laredo on Friday and Saturday night. The Rayz played games on consecutive nights in the American Bank Center for the first time in the arena's brief history. The Rayz got the weekend off to a great start with a come from behind 4-3 win over the Oklahoma City Blazers on Friday. It was the Blazers first ever trip to Corpus Christi and the Rayz welcomed them to the Sparkling City with a three-goal third period, as they went on to win their second straight game and extend their home unbeaten streak to six games. The Rayz followed the victory with a battle against their archrivals, and defending President's Cup Champions, the Laredo Bucks. The Rayz got off to an early lead over the Bucks when Dave Gilmore scored late in the first period, however Corpus Christi could not hold off a streaking Laredo club. The Bucks scored three goals in under three minutes to cap off the second period and then skated to a 5-1 win over the Rayz to move the team's into a first-place tie in the Southeast Division. The Bucks have now won 7 in a row and handed the Rayz just their second ever regulation loss in the American Bank Center.

This Week's Schedule: Wednesday, December 22 @ Rio Grande Valley 7:35 p.m.

Sunday, December 26 @ Laredo 7:30 p.m.

Last Week's Results: Friday, December 17th vs. Oklahoma City 4-3 W

Saturday, December 18th vs. Laredo 5-1 L

All Rayz home games are played at the American Bank Center. All games will be broadcast live on the flagship station of the Corpus Christi Rayz - 103.7 FM KOUL and online at the Rayz website - www.ccrayz.com. All home games, along with select road games, are available for viewing on the internet at www.chltv.com.

Practice Schedule: The Rayz practice this week from 10:00-11:30am Tuesday and Thursday and Wednesday there will be a pre-game skate starting at 10:00am. All practices this week will be held at the Champion Toyota Ice Center at the Memorial Coliseum.

Bug Bites Hard

After losing their captain, Bernie John to injury two weeks ago, the Rayz had to play without the services of some other key players last weekend. Rayz defenseman Dominic Periard was forced to miss action as was rookie forward Ken McKay. The Rayz also had players playing at less than 100%, and for the first time this season, were held to just 13 skaters and four defensemen for Saturday night's game.

Derrific Start

Rayz rookie forward Derrick McIver is off to an outstanding start to his professional career. The 25-year old from Thunder Bay, Ontario had two goals in Friday night's game against Oklahoma City, including the game winner late in the third period. McIver has been no stranger to goals this season, as he has 14 goals and 18 points. His 14 goals lead all CHL rookies, and he currently leads the Rayz in rookie scoring.

Strong Openings

The Rayz had a pair of players make their Corpus Christi debuts over the weekend in forwards Blair Stayzer and Calrk Udle (YOO-dull). Both players bring a hard, physical style to the Rayz lineup, but also flew out of the gates with some scoring punch. After spending nine games in Long Beach of the ECHL, Udle, a rookie, tallied his first professional goal and point when he scored in the third period Friday night to spark the Rayz comeback win over the Blazers. Stayzer, who is playing in his eighth pro season had an assist on the lone Rayz goal Saturday night vs. Laredo. With these addition, forward Doug Scatchard was placed on 45-Day Injured Reserve and the Rayz waived rookie forward Britt Dougherty.

This Week in the Community: Yesterday, Rayz players Chad McIver, Frank Werner, Jay Hardwick and Doug Scatchard went to Driscoll Children's Hospital from 2:00-3:30pm. along with team mascot Stinger Ray to visit the young patients. The Rayz distributed holiday cards and signed autographs for the children at the hospital.

On Thursday from 11:00am-4:00pm, the Rayz will be participating in the HEB Feast of Sharing which offers free food to the people of the Corpus Christi. The event will take place at the Bayfront Convention Center and Rayz players and staff will be on hand to help distribute food for the Holidays.

The Rayz have teamed forces with Driscoll Children's Hospital to raise money on their New Year's Eve game against the Austin Ice Bats. The Rayz will donate a portion of the proceeds from all tickets purchased at Driscoll Children's Hospital or the Rayz office. The tickets start at just $10. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

The Rayz will begin a new tradition in Corpus Christi with the inaugural Rayz New Year's Eve Game and Block Party. After the game, all fans in attendance will have access to a party on Shoreline Blvd. featuring live music, food and drinks, interactive games for children leading up to midnight, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Bay at 12:00. Entrance to the party is only permitted to those in attendance at the Rayz game.

Rayz Next Home Game: The Rayz will return to Corpus Christi and the American Bank Center on Friday, December 31st when the Austin Ice Bats visit Corpus Christi for the first time since the Ice Bats injured Rayz captain, Bernie John. Be there for the game as the New Year's Eve fireworks may begin early this year. Special tickets that benefit Driscoll Children's Hospital are available at the Hospital gift shop or by calling the Rayz office at 814-PUCK. It will also be college night, and all college students can get a ticket for as little as $6. Come for the hockey and stay for the New Year's Eve Block Party with the Rayz. Immediately following the fireworks show, the Rayz party will continue at the Omni Hotels until 2:00am. Call the Rayz today at 814-7825 for more information on how to have your New Year's Eve plans set with the Rayz who will begin a new tradition in 2005.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 21, 2004


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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