NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays (10-13-1-2) edged ahead early but couldn’t hold the lead in a 4-1 loss to the Lone Star Brahmas (21-7-1-0) on Friday night from the NYTEX Sports Centre.
The IceRays controlled the first period of play despite being outshot heavily, and their efforts paid off in the form of the game-opening goal. At 7:23, defenseman Conor Yawney flipped a shot from the right point that deflected off the stick of forward David Baskerville, beating by the netminder and giving the IceRays a 1-0 lead.
Momentum started to take a turn for the worse after the Brahmas found their first goal of the night in the second period. At 11:22, Brahmas forward Troy York slid a shot to the IceRays net that was jabbed through the netminder by forward Carson Kelley on the right side of the net to tie the game, 1-1, on the power play. The next goal proved to be a controversial decision at 15:20 of the second period. IceRays netminder Tomáš Vomáčka appeared to stop multiple shots including a final one from Brahmas forward Julian Biondo, but the goal judge lit the lamp, signaling the go-ahead goal at 2-1.
The Brahmas added on to their goal cushion early in the third period. At 3:30, Brahmas defenseman Simon Loof led a rush while on the power play and flipped a wrist shot from the right circle by the glove hand of the netminder, doubling their lead to 3-1. With the IceRays netminder pulled, a takeaway by Brahmas forward Hunter Stanley led to an empty net goal at 18:52 that sealed the 4-1 win for the Brahmas.
Brahmas goaltender Alec Calvaruso (10-4-0) earned the win, halting 21 of 22 shots, while Vomáčka (5-10-1) was saddled with the loss, turning aside 38 of 41 shots. The IceRays and Brahmas close the weekend on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:30 p.m. from the NYTEX Sports Centre. Coverage begins at 7:15 p.m. on SportsRadio Corpus Christi (KSIX 1230AM) and 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).