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Welcome back Vogel, Rayz top Kings 3-1

December 29, 2006 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


After a 20 day layoff, Rayz fans might have wondered if Ron Vogel would return to the Corpus Christi crease with any rust. On Friday night, Vogel put all doubt to bed. The Rayz netminder was outstanding, making 38 save son 39 shots to lead the Rayz past the cotton Kings 3-1 at the City Bank Coliseum. Todd Paul and Nick Lindberg each added a goal and assist and Corpus Christi never trailed as they moved over the 30 point mark with the win. The Rayz improved to 13-11-5 on the year and remained in second place in the Southeast Division and Southern Conference. The Rayz earned points for the 13th time in 16 road games this season. The Rayz will now travel to Odessa on Saturday before returning to South Texas for New Year's Eve Tux and Pucks Game at the American Bank Center, presented by AT&T.

The teams stayed scoreless through the opening period of play. The Rayz had a two-man advantage for just under a minute in the game, but could not solve J.F. Perras. Vogel played very well in his first period of action since December 9th. The Rayz were outshot 13-7 in the period, and the clubs began the second period still searching for the game's first goal.

The Rayz made sure the search didn't last long, as Corpus Christi scored two quick goals to leap onto the scoreboard. Todd Paul scored from the right point at 3:26 of the frame to five the Rayz a 1-0 lead. Less than three minutes later, they doubled their advantage when Ryan Carter took a feed rushing down the right wing and beat Perras with a low shot to made the score 2-0. Carter's goal was his tenth of the year. With the goal, he extended his point streak to five games and has goals in four of those five. Nick Lindberg assisted along with Paul, giving Lindberg a five game point streak of his own. The Kings climbed to within one with a power play goal at 12:38. Rookie sensation, Simon Watson was camped out to the right edge of the crease when a puck bounced to him and him slammed it past Vogel for the Kings first goal of the night. Watson's goal was his 15th of the year to lead all CHL rookies. The Rayz and Kings both managed 13 shots on net in the second period and the Rayz took a 2-1 lead into the third period.

In the third period, the Kings made a surge to tie the game, but Corpus Christi rode a brilliant goaltending effort from Vogel to earn their 13th win of the season. Vogel stopped all 13 shots in the third period including a penalty shot from Watson with 6:43 remaining in the game. Nick Lindberg won a faceoff to himself and scored from center ice to seal the Rayz win at 19:44. The Rayz were outshot 13-4 in the final frame.

The win for the Rayz upped their point total to 31 in 29 games and improved their road record to 8-3-5. Vogel won his ninth game of the year to move to 9-6-3. The Kings suffered the loss to drop to an even 12-12-2. Perras made 21 saves on 23 shots, but fell to 6-6-1 with the defeat. The Kings outshot the Rayz 39-24. The Rayz went 0-7 on the power play and Lubbock went 1-8. The Rayz will continue their road trip in Odessa on Saturday night to take on the Jackalopes at 7:00pm.

The countdown to 2007 is on, and you can be a part of the biggest New Year's Eve Party in the Coastal Bend. It all takes place Sunday night, December 31st on the on "Tux and Pucks Night" at the American Bank Center, presented by AT&T. The Corpus Christi Rayz will host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs at a special start time of 8:05pm at the American Bank Center, and all fans in attendance at the game will receive free admission to a post-game New Year's Eve Party. The post-game party will feature public skating, party favors and a spectacular fireworks display on the waterfront. Tickets start at just $10. Call ahead to inquire about $6 seats. For more information, please call the Rayz at (361) 814-PUCK.

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