Widening the gap

December 6, 2004 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Corpus Christi IceRays News Release


Season Record: 10-6-3 (23 points) Home Record: 6-1-1 (13 points) Away Record: 4-5-2 (10 points)

Week in Review: The Corpus Christi Rayz began their weekend with a three point lead over second place in the Southeast Division. After three games in three nights, the first-place Rayz increased the margin to six points over the Austin Ice Bats and Laredo Bucks. The Rayz went 1-1-1 on the week and have registered points in eight of their last ten games, including seven wins over that span. With 23 points, Corpus Christi is currently tied with the San Angelo Saints for the most points in the Southern Conference.

This Week's Schedule: Friday, December 10 @ Austin 7:35 p.m.

Saturday, December 11 @ Rio Grande Valley 7:35 p.m.

Last Week's Results: Friday, December 3rd vs. Rio Grande Valley 4-3 L (SO)

Saturday, December 4th @ San Angelo 6-4 L

Sunday, December 5th vs. Austin 4-2 W

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 practice this week from 10:00-11:30am Tuesday-Thursday. On Friday, the team will have a pre-game skating session from 10:00-10:30am. All practices will be held at the Memorial Coliseum.

Clogging the Pipes

Fresh off of being named the CHL Oakley Goaltender of the Week last week, Rayz netminder, Brent Zelenewich had another outstanding weekend. Zelenewich went 1-0-1 over the weekend, and is now 5-0-1 in his last six starts. The second year Rayz backstop made 57 saves on 62 shots in two games. Zelenewich has a 6-3-3 record this season with a 2.50 GAA and a .928 save percentage. He is currently 7th in the league in GAA and ranks 3rd in save percentage.

John of All Trades

Rayz defenseman, Bernie John makes his living on the blue line, however he has been one of the better offensive weapons for the Rayz this season. John has 23 points in 19 games this year, and points in eight of his last ten games. His 19 assists and 23 points lead all CHL defensemen and he currently ranks 2nd in the league for assists among all skaters. Last season, John had 76 points en route to being named the CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman.

Young Guns

The Rayz are getting a lot of scoring production from some of their younger players, offering them a deep lineup. Rookie, Frank Werner notched his first career two-goal game on Sunday, while being named the #1 star of the game against the Ice Bats. Second-year forward, Doug Scatchard got his first goal as a member of the Rayz Saturday night in San Angelo, and has three points in his last two games. Rookie forward, Derrick McIver had two goals on Saturday and currently leads all CHL rookies with 11 goals this season. Rookie Ken McKay, has 12 points in 14 games this year.

Killer B's

Rayz forwards, Jason Baird and Greg Bullock have been lighting up the opposition this year. With 27 and 26 points, respectively, Baird and Bullock currently are one and two on the Rayz in scoring. Baird's 15 goals lead the team and are third best in the CHL. Baird is 6th in the league in points and Bullock is tied for 7th.

Division Domination

The Rayz have plowed through the Southeast Division through the first third of the season. The Rayz are 7-2-3 with 17 points against Austin, Laredo and Rio Grande Valley this season. With points in ten of 12 games, the Rayz have established themselves as the pace setters in the Southeast Division.

This Week in the Community: Rayz players, Anthony D'Arpino and Blair Stayzer will be reading to students at Coles Elementary School on Tuesday at 12:30pm. Rayz players will also visit students at Luther Jones Elementary School at 1:30pm on Tuesday.

On Thursday night from 5:00-7:30pm, the Rayz Sting Team Dancers will participate in a Ship Lighting Ceremony at the Ingleside Naval Station. The Sting Team will also be appearing at Moore Plaza next to the Pier 1 and TGI Fridays for a Toys for Tots Toy Drive from 11:00am-2:00pm on Saturday afternoon.

The Rayz are pleased to announce their partnership with Corpus Christi GM Goodwrench Dealers and Toys for Tots this holiday season. Anyone who brings an unwrapped toy for donation to any participating GM Goodwrench dealership will receive a complimentary ticket to the Rayz game on Saturday, December 18th when the Rayz host the Laredo Bucks at the American Bank Center. All toys go to benefit less fortunate as part of the Toys for Tots Program. Complimentary tickets are available through December 18th while supplies last.

Rayz Next Home Game: The Rayz will return to Corpus Christi and the American Bank Center on Friday, December 17th when the Oklahoma City Blazers make their first visit ever to Corpus Christi. It will be the first Men's Night of the season, and all men 18 years and older will receive discounted tickets starting at $8. There will be chugging contests, a Harley Davidson Giveaway contest and the Bud Girls will be at the arena. Tickets are available at the American Bank Center Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2004


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