SHREVEPORT, LA. – The Corpus Christi IceRays (11-13-1-3) earned one point on the evening but fell in the seventh round of a shootout during their 3-2 loss to the Shreveport Mudbugs (16-7-0-1) on Friday night in George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum
The opening six minutes of the contest became a feeling out process for both sides with neither team gaining a strong edge until the first power play of the night. Just after IceRays defenseman came out of the penalty box, Mudbugs forward Jordan Fader tipped a shot from the right point that changed direction just in front of the IceRays netminder at 10:20, giving the Mudbugs the early 1-0 lead. On the IceRays’ first power play at 14:14, forward Nathan Bryer wound up a one-time shot from outside the right circle that found a seam through traffic and into the net to tie the game 1-1.
A lengthy official timeout early in the second period helped the Mudbugs scheme a play off the ensuing the faceoff draw that ended up working thanks to a one-time shot from Mudbugs defenseman Brandon Gysbers at 4:39 to move the home side ahead, 2-1. Scoring would cease until the third period after the IceRays forecheck became a big factor. At 12:02, IceRays forward Jayson DiMizio stole three pucks in the offensive end, leading to an opening in the high shot that he buried to even the score, 2-2, and eventually send the game into overtime.
In the overtime period, Mudbugs forward Jay Feiwell earned a breakaway that was first saved then called back for a penalty shot, which was then stopped by netminder Tomáš Vomáčka at 3:24 of overtime to help send the game into a shootout. Neither team scored until the back end of the seventh round. Mudbugs forward Cameron Cook finished off the 3-2 shootout win for the Mudbugs with a wrist shot in the low shot.
Mudbugs goaltender Dylan Lubbesmeyer (8-3-0) earned the win, halting 31 of 33 shots, while Vomáčka (6-10-2) picked up the loss, turning away 38 of 40 shots on net. The IceRays and Mudbugs close the weekend set on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 7:11 p.m. from George’s Pond at Hirsch Coliseum. Coverage begins at 6:55 p.m. on SportsRadio Corpus Christi (KSIX 1230AM) & Hockey TV.
The IceRays return home following the holiday break on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 7:05 p.m. to open a two-game set against the Shreveport Mudbugs. Season memberships for the 2016-17 season are still available with full and partial season plans. Reserve yours by contacting the IceRays Front Office at 361-814-PUCK. In addition, stay connected with the IceRays on Facebook (/CorpusChristiIceRays), Twitter (@goicerays), YouTube (IceRays TV), Instagram (CorpusChristiIceRays), Snapchat (@goicerays), and Periscope (@goicerays).