CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS – The Corpus Christi IceRays (9-9-1-2) scored four-unanswered goals starting in the first period to take a 4-1 win over the Lone Star Brahmas (18-4-1-0) on Saturday night at the American Bank Center for Stars & Stripes Night.
The Brahmas seized the game’s first goal at 11:34 of the first period when forward Troy York sped to the left circle on a rush and fired a wrist shot in to push the road side ahead, 1-0. The IceRays controlled possession and momentum over the first period, and two chances toward net paid off in the frame. At 15:25, IceRays forward David Baskerville turned a shot from just outside the left corner that hit the Brahmas netminder and hopped over his shoulder to tie the game, 1-1. Less than one minute later at 16:10, IceRays defenseman Cody Fleckenstein floated a shot from the left point that found a seam through traffic to take the lead at 2-1. The Brahmas pulled starting netminder Alec Calvaruso after five shots in favor of Erik Gordon.
Neither side gained an advantage in the second period despite three power plays for the Brahmas, and in the back end of the third period the IceRays made their push ahead. IceRays forwards Cole Gammer and Brad Power found an open Mason Krueger on the back door down low at 11:35 to double the lead, 3-1. On the team’s second power play of the night, IceRays forward Josh Tripp gloved the puck on a clearing attempt and sniped a shot from the slot to take a 4-1 lead to 14:22. The Brahmas fought to come back in the last few minutes of the period, but the IceRays held firm for the win.
IceRays netminder Tomáš Vomáčka (5-8-1) earned the win, halting 23 of 24 shots faced. Brahmas goaltender Calvaruso (8-2-0) stopped three of five shots in 16:10 minutes played, and Erik Gordon turned aside 15 of 17 shots in 41:16 minutes of relief. The IceRays continue their six-game home stand on Friday, Nov. 25 at 7:05 p.m. when they host the Amarillo Bulls from the American Bank Center. Tickets are available at www.Ticketmaster.com and the American Bank Center Box Office.
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