Rayz split pair of tough home games

January 24, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Week in Review: A gritty effort by the Corpus Christi Rayz last weekend translated into a split against the two top teams in the Northern Conference. Over the weekend, the Central Hockey League returned to action after the 2006 All-Star Break, and the Rayz were thrown right into the fire with two tough match-ups against the Wichita Thunder and defending President's Cup Champion, Colorado Eagles. The 1-1 weekend kept Corpus Christi on par with the rest of the Southern Conference, holding their spot five points back from the fourth and final playoff position in the South. The Rayz finished the week in fourth place in the Southeast Division and seventh in the conference. Corpus Christi is 15-19-2 with 32 points in 36 games.

The Rayz opened up the second half of their season by hosting the Wichita Thunder in the only meeting of the season. Derrick McIver was one of three Rayz players to register at least three points, scoring twice and adding a pair of assists in a solid, 6-4 Rayz victory over the Thunder. The victory marked Corpus Christi's first ever win over Wichita in the sixth, all-time meeting. The Rayz broke out of a scoring slump, and scored six goals as part of their two-goal win over the Thunder. Corpus Christi outshot the Thunder 41-25, and chased Wichita's starting goaltender, Sebastien Laplante en route to the win. Rayz forward Mike Lukajic had a goal and two assists, and team leading scorer Randy Murphy tallied three assists to help Corpus Christi win their first game back from the week-long layoff.

The following night the Rayz continued their stint through the top of the Northern Conference as the defending President's Cup Champion, Colorado Eagles paid a visit to the Coastal Bend. The Rayz once again played well, containing the high-powered Eagles offense off the board at even strength. However, power plays proved to be the difference, as Corpus Christi failed to score on ten power play chances, falling to the defending champs 3-0. Colorado scored two, second period, power play goals and added an empty netter to cap the scoring. Despite outshooting the Eagles 30-24, the Rayz couldn't penetrate goaltender Jeff Blair, who earned his first shutout of the season. The match-up was the only of the 2005-2006 campaign between Corpus Christi and Colorado and gave the Eagles an all-time 3-2 edge in the season series, and CHL leading record of 26-8-4.

The Rayz will stay in town to kick off this week, beginning Thursday night at the American Bank Center when they host the Austin Ice Bats. Then on Friday, Corpus Christi will begin a home and home series with the Laredo Bucks at the Laredo Entertainment Center. With only 28 games remaining in the season - and 22 of them against Southern Conference opponents - each game is pivotal with the Rayz fighting for a playoff spot. Tickets for Thursday Night's game vs. Austin and Saturday night's game vs. Laredo are available. For more information, please call (361) 814-PUCK

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 will practice all this week at 10:00am at the American Bank Center. All home practices are open to the media, unless otherwise noted.

Protecting the Lead

This weekend Corpus Christi improved their record to 10-0-0 when leading after two periods with a 6-4 win Friday night vs. Wichita. The Rayz are one of six teams in the CHL that does not have a regulation loss when leading after two periods. They are the only team in the league to be perfect with a lead after two periods. The other five unbeaten teams have dropped games in overtime or a shootout.

Rough Stretch

The Rayz kicked off the second half of the season this weekend against fierce competition, and it will continue this week. Beginning with last weekend's game against the Thunder, four of the first five Rayz games back from break will be played against the top three teams in the CHL. At the All-Star Break, the CHL top three teams ranked, 1) Colorado Eagles, 2) Laredo Bucks, 3) Wichita Thunder. The Rayz will play Austin at home on Thursday, and then begin a home and home set with the Bucks Friday night in Laredo.

Shooting Gallery

Last weekend marked the first time all season that the Rayz have held their opponents under 30 shots per game in consecutive contests. It was also the first time since November 3rd and 5th that the Rayz had outshot opponents in consecutive games. The Rayz rank last in the league at shots allowed per game at 38.6. Corpus Christi has outshot their opponents nine times this season. The Rayz are 5-4 in those games. Only the Youngstown Steelhounds (8) have outshot their opponents fewer times than the Rayz.

On Point

Corpus Christi defenseman, Bernie John competed in the All-Star Skills Competition last week in the Accuracy Shootout, and hit four targets on seven shots. John was voted to the starting lineup for the third straight year, and appeared in his sixth straight All-Star Game. John had one assist in the All-Star Game. This season, John has ten goals and 31 points to rank third on the team in points. John is tied for sixth among CHL defensemen scoring, and second in the Southern Conference. John's ten goals are third in the CHL in defensemen goal scoring.

Home, Not so Sweet Home

Last weekend marked the first time this season that the Rayz played back to back home games on consecutive nights. Corpus Christi's 7-9-2 record at home is one of just two losing home records in the CHL. The other belongs to the Fort Worth Brahmas, who are 6-10-3 in 19 games.

Paper Trail

The Rayz remind you to pick up a copy of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times today and every Tuesday throughout the regular season and check out the Rayz Page located in the sports section. Every Tuesday throughout the season, the Caller-Times will dedicate a page to Rayz hockey, updating fans on news surrounding the team, Rayz statistics and an overview of the Rayz competition throughout the Central Hockey League. Readers can also participate in the interactive Weekly Poll Question and check www.caller.com/sports for the poll results.

Rayz Home Games This Week: Corpus Christi will play two divisional games at the American Bank Center this weekend. Join the Rayz on Thursday and Saturday night as they wind down the month of January with two big rivalry games. Thursday night is College Night, presented by Z-95.5FM. Join the Hot Z-95 Crew at the American Bank Center for the coolest Thursday night party in town as the Rayz take on the Austin Ice Bats. All College students with a valid school ID will receive discounted tickets, starting at just $6. Then on Saturday night, be there as the Rayz host their biggest rivals - the Laredo Bucks, presented by ICU II. Join the Rayz as they go Buck Hunting at the American Bank Center this Saturday. There will be free giveaways at the door for the first 1,000 fans in attendance. Get your tickets at any Ticketmaster location and the American Bank Center Box Office. Regular priced tickets start at just $10. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

Season Record: 15-19-2 (32 points) Home Record: 7-9-2 (16 points) Away Record: 8-10-0 (16 points)

Standings: 4th Place Southeast Division, 7th Place Southern Conference

This Week's Schedule: Thursday, January 26th vs. Austin Ice Bats 7:35pm

Friday, January 27th @ Laredo Bucks 7:30pm

Saturday, January 28th vs. Laredo Bucks 7:35pm

Last Week's Results: Friday, January 20th vs. Wichita Thunder 6-4 W

Saturday, January 21st vs. Colorado Eagles 3-0 L



Central Hockey League Stories from January 24, 2006


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