Rayz top Bucks 4-2

December 8, 2007 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz needed a hard-working, physical, sixty-minute effort to beat the Laredo Bucks for the second straight time. On Saturday Night from the American Bank Center, they got just that. Jon Jankus had a goal and two assists and Jason Tapp turned aside 31 Bucks shots in a Rayz 4-2 win. Corpus Christi notched points for the fifth time in the last six games, and won their second straight over Laredo. The Rayz improved to 6-12-2 and moved within five points of Rio Grande Valley for second place in the Southeast Division and fifth in the Southern Conference. The Rayz will remain home to continue their five-game homestand on Thursday Night when they face the Arizona Sundogs at 7:05pm on Z-95 College Night. College students can get discounted tickets at the door with a valid school ID. Tickets are on sale now. Please call 814-PUCK for more information, or visit the Rayz online at www.ccrayz.com

The Rayz and Bucks wasted no time renewing their bad-blood rivalry. In the opening minute, Rayz forward Adam Powell fought Bucks defenseman Tyler Harder. Following the fight, the Rayz continued with a gritty, high-energy frame. Jon Jankus scored a power play goal on a rebound at 3:48 to give the Rayz a 1-0 lead. The Bucks tied score at 11:27 after a loose puck caromed to Brent MacSween and he slammed it into the net from the right edge of the crease. Corpus Christi reclaimed the lead when Powell scored on a two on none rush. Jankus fed Powell who entered the zone with Kevin Watters on his right and snapped a heavy wrist shot high blocker side past Dustin Traylen for the 2-1 Rayz lead. Jason Tapp made some big saves late in the period to keep the Rayz in front of the Bucks. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 11-8 in the period.

In the second period, the Bucks tied the game early when Alex Penner scored on a rebound goal at 3:09. However, another quick Rayz response gave them the advantage once again. Just 74 seconds later at 4:23, Derek Smith got his second pro goal on a rebound after Jankus and Chris Shaffer helped keep the puck down low. After the Rayz failed to score on three consecutive power plays, Corpus Christi increased their lead to 4-2 even strength. Justin Quenneville drew two Bucks defenders and let a wrist shot go from the high slot. Traylen made the save, but Rayz newcomer Jay Latulippe crashed the net and sent a rebound over Traylen for the Rayz two-goal lead. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 11-10 in the period, but the Rayz took a 4-2 advantage into the final period.

Neither team scored in the third period. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 11-4, but Tapp and the Rayz stood their ground and held off the Bucks for the 4-2 win.

Tapp earned the win, making 31 saves on 33 shots and upped his record to 6-10-2. Tralyen suffered his second straight loss to Corpus Christi, and fell to 10-5-1, turning aside 18 of 22 shots. The Rayz went 1-6 on the power play and the Bucks were 3-7. The Bucks outshot the Rayz 33-22.

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 December 8, 2007


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.

OurSports Central