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Rayz sting Killer Bees, 3-1

February 1, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


In the first of three straight games against their division foe, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, the Corpus Christi Rayz set the tone for the weekend with a wire to wire performance and a 3-1 victory on Thursday night at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo. Ron Vogel led the way backstopping the Rayz with 27 saves on 28 shots to earn his fourth straight win. The Rayz victory was their eighth in the last nine games and fourth straight against the Valley. The win vaulted the Rayz to 23-15-5 and they became the fifth team this season to eclipse the 50 point plateau, improving to 51 points on the season. Corpus Christi moved within seven points of the idle Laredo Bucks for first place in the Southern Conference. With the win the Rayz surpassed their total wins from a season ago in 21 fewer games.

Looking to carry over momentum from Sunday's impressive win, the Rayz didn't waste time picking up where they left off. Ryan Carter took a rink-wide pass and shot the puck into the empty side of the net from the right circle just 40 seconds into the game to give the Rayz a 1-0 lead. It was Carter's third goal in the last two games. Later in the frame Chris Mei scored unassisted when he rushed into the zone and blasted a shot from the top of the left circle that trickled through Jeremy Symington and into the net. Mei's goal was his first of the year and now gives all Rayz skaters goals on the season. The Rayz outshot the Bees 13-7 in the opening period.

In the second period the Rayz believed they had taken a 3-0 lead when Jay Hardwick's shot from the point was redirected into the net at 16:41. However, the goal was immediately waved off as referee, Tudor Floru ruled the puck was hit with a high stick. The goal was disallowed and both teams remained scoreless for the remainder of the second period. Rio Grande Valley outshot the Rayz 9-6 in the frame and the Rayz took their 2-0 lead into the final period.

The Rayz took a 3-0 lead in the third period when Matt Turek scored from the left circle on the power play at 3:52. The Bees spoiled Vogel's shutout bid with a shorthanded tally from Matt Reynolds at 14:08, but would get no closer as Vogel closed the door. He made a terrific save on a Nick Warriner breakaway in the final minutes, and did not surrender another goal. The Bees outshot the Rayz 12-5 in the final period.

The Rayz win was their tenth in the last 13 games and gave Corpus Christi round one of the current three-game set with Rio Grande Valley. Ron Vogel earned the win, upping to 14-8-3. Symington took the loss making 18 saves on 21 shots and fell to 11-9-4. Jeff Van Nynatten made three saves on as many shots and did not figure into the decision. The Rayz improved 13 points ahead of Rio Grande Valley in the Southeast Division, and remained 11 points ahead of Austin - who beat Lubbock 4-1 - who moved into third place. The Bees dropped to 16-19-6 and remained with 38 points. The Bees outshot the Rayz 28-24. The Rayz went 1-8 on the power play and the Bees went 0-6.

Friday Night is Harley Davidson Men's Night, presented by Time Warner Cable and Classic Rock 104.5FM. Guys 18 and older can get discounted tickets vouchers at CC Harley Davidson. Plus Time Warner will be at the game giving away prizes and they present Scooby-Doo to entertain all children at the game. Additionally, Citgo will give away $1,000 in FREE GAS to fans at the arena on Friday. Fans can take advantage of the Miller Lite Power Play special where they can get $2 beers after every Rayz power play goal. Regular price tickets start at $10, but group discounts are available for parties of ten or more. Make sure you're there for another big game against another big Rayz rival. It's all this Friday Night at 7:05pm when the Rayz battle the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees.

Corpus Christi is your town and the Rayz are Your Team! Come support the Rayz as they make a first place and playoff push in the final two months of the regular season. Regular priced tickets start at just $10. Group discounts are available for parties of ten or more. Come support your hometown team! For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.



Central Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2007


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