Rayz week in review

Published on December 13, 2005 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


The Corpus Christi Rayz lost two, very tight 3-2 games over the weekend to move their record to 19 points (9-10-1) in 20 games. The Rayz jumped out in front of Odessa on Friday night, taking a 2-0 lead over the Jackalopes, before surrendering the game's final three goals for the tough loss. Then on Sunday, following a rare Saturday night off, it was the Rayz' turn to play catch up in their first meeting of the year with the Lubbock Cotton Kings. The Rayz scored twice in the third period to force overtime for the first time this season. However, midway through the extra session, Lubbock scored a rebound goal to hand the Rayz their second straight 3-2 defeat. Corpus Christi salvaged one point out of the weekend, and is currently sandwiched between the RGV Killer Bees and Austin Ice Bats for third place in the Southeast Division. The Bees have 20 points, and Bats have 18 points. The Laredo Bucks lead the division with 30 points in 23 games this season.

A key three-game weekend against both Austin and Rio Grande Valley kicks off at the American Bank Center Thursday night at 7:35pm when the Rayz host the Ice Bats on College Night Presented by Z-95.5FM. Tickets for the game start at just $6 for college students, and $10 for the general public. They are available at all Ticketmaster Outlets and the American Bank Center Box Office. For more information, please call the Rayz at (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 at the American Bank Center from 10:00-11:00am on Wednesday and have a pre-game skate from 10:00-10:30am on Thursday. The Rayz will then travel out of town on Friday, and remain out of town until Wednesday, Dec. 21st. Unless otherwise stated, all home practices are open to the media.

Teddy for Tickets

The Corpus Christi Rayz will conclude their 2005 Toys for Tots drive this Thursday night with a Teddy Bear Toss during their game against the Austin Ice Bats. Fans attending the 7:30 PM game at the American Bank Center are encouraged to show their holiday spirit by bringing toys and teddy bears to donate at the game. The Rayz, along with GMR Works, will be accepting all new, unwrapped toys brought to the arena throughout the evening. In addition, fans who bring a teddy bear to the game will be encouraged to participate in a "Teddy Bear Toss" following the Rayz first goal of the game. Fans can either bring teddy bears to the game or purchase them in the concourse at the arena for $3. All proceeds from teddy bear sales will go to benefit the Toys for Tots Drive. All fans who bring a teddy bear or an unwrapped toy will receive a FREE ticket voucher to the Rayz game on December 23rd vs. the Killer Bees.

Turned Around

Entering last weekend, the Rayz had not lost a game in which they led after the first period or scored first, and they had not earned a point in games when trailing after two periods. This weekend, both of those streaks came to an end when the Rayz lost a 2-0 first intermission lead on Friday night in a 3-2 loss in Odessa. The Rayz then came back from a 2-0 second intermission deficit on Sunday to get a point in an overtime loss.

It's About (Over)Time

The Rayz became the second to last CHL team to play an overtime game on Sunday night, after having no regulation ties through their first 19 contests. The Memphis RiverKings played their first overtime of the season on Friday night, leaving only the Austin Ice Bats who have not played an OT game this season. The Rayz play the Ice Bats twice this weekend. The last two meetings between Corpus Christi and Austin have been decided by one-goal in favor of the Ice Bats.

Close But No Cigar

Corpus Christi has a 1-4 record this season in one-goal games, giving them more one-goal losses than any other team in the CHL. The last four Rayz losses have all been by one goal, and the last seven Rayz games have been decided by two goals or less.

Northern Hospitality

Back to back losses to Southwest Division opponents this weekend dropped the Rayz record against the Southern Conference to 4-7-1. The Rayz have faired better against the Northern Conference this season, going 5-3 in eight games. The Rayz will not play another Northern Conference opponent until the first game of 2006, when they host the Fort Worth Brahmas on January 6th.

Scoring Slump

The Rayz have only scored more than three goals twice in the last 11 games, with both of those games featuring empty netters in four-goal performances. This is quite a change from the early season Rayz who scored five or more goals in three of their first four and four of their first seven games.

Final Countdown

The Rayz have played several close games throughout the last four weeks, however the last three games have literally been decided in the final minutes of play. In each of the last three contests, the Rayz have entered the final three minutes of regulation tied 2-2. Corpus Christi is 1-1-1 in those games.

Reid ‘Em and Weep

Rayz All-Star netminder Scott Reid is once again among the CHL leaders in goaltending statistics. Reid, who has forced more action than any other CHL backstop this year, has started 16 of the 20 Rayz games. He averages just under 40 shots against per game, and leads the CHL in saves with 584. His .928 save percentage is second in the league, and he has played the third most minutes in the league, logging 954:19. Reid also ranks in the top ten in goals against average with a 2.83 mark.

Power Outage

Corpus Christi is 0 for their last 27 power play chances, dating back to Dec. 1st. The Rayz have not scored on the man advantage in four straight games. Corpus Christi scored power play goals in 14 of the first 16 games this season.

Paper Trail

The Rayz remind you to pick up a copy of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times on Tuesday and check out the all-new 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 return to the American Bank Center on Thursday night at 7:30pm. The Rayz will host the Austin Ice Bats on College Night presented by Z-95.5FM. All college students will receive discounted tickets, starting at just $6. Regular priced tickets start at just $10 and are available at the American Bank Center Box Office or any Ticketmaster location. Plus all fans are encouraged to join the Rayz in a "Teddy Bear Toss" benefiting the Corpus Christi Toys for Tots Drive on GMR Works Night. The Rayz and Coastal Bend GM Goodwrench Dealers have teamed up this holiday season for a Toys for Tots Drive at the American Bank Center and GM Goodwrench locations throughout South Texas. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for donation to the game Thursday Night, or a teddy bear to throw onto the ice following the first Rayz goal and receive a FREE ticket voucher for the Rayz game on December 23rd against the Killer Bees. For more information, please contact the Rayz at (361)814-PUCK.

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Central Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2005


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