ICERAYS BEAT BUCKS 4-1 TO CLOSE DOMINANT SEASON SERIES
CC GOES 10-2-2 VS. LAREDO, INCREASES PLAYOFF POINT LEAD TO FIVE
 
In a season series versus the Laredo Bucks that was dominated by the Corpus Christi IceRays, the regular season finale was more of the same. Chad Costello had two goals and Kevin Beech turned aside 24 of 25 as the IceRays beat the Bucks 4-1 from the Laredo Entertainment Center on Wednesday night. Corpus Christi increased their lead to five points over Rio Grande Valley, giving up one game in hand, for the final playoff spot in the South. They also climbed within four points, minus a game in hand, for Laredo for fourth. Corpus Christi concluded the season series against Laredo with an outstanding 10-2-2 record in their most successful campaign against their rival in club history.  The IceRays improved to 27-24-8 on the season.
 
The IceRays return home on Saturday for Pack the House Night for Charity Night. Proceeds from the game will benefit Walk MS. Plus, at the game March 13th, one fan is guaranteed to win an 8 thousand dollar diamond in the Fine Jewelry Outlet Great Diamond Giveaway. Visit Fine Jewelry Outlet in the Sunrise Mall for info on free registration. There also will be a post-game jersey auction, presented by AT&T, Harley Davidson, and Budweiser, and Caller-Times Family Four packs of tickets for $34. Call 814-PUCK. 814-7825 or visit goicerays.com and join the IceRays fight against MS.
 
Neither team was able to score in the opening period, with the Bucks outshooting the IceRays 9-6. The Rays had two quality scoring chances from the right circle, but Ryan Garbutt hit the left post, and Morgan MacLean rung the crossbar.
 
The IceRays broke the scoreless tie in the second period with a pair of goals. Chad Costello was set up beautifully at the left side of the crease at 4:47 to get the game’s opening goal. Justin Quenneville and Ryan Garbutt used crisp, quick passing to get the Bucks defense and goaltender out of position where Costello could tap it into the empty net. Corpus Christi then made it 2-0 at 16:48 when Chris Richards beat Kevin Desfosses on a wrist shot from the slot. The IceRays outshot the Bucks 11-7 in the period and took a 2-0 lead into the final period.
 
The IceRays put the game away in the third with two more goals. Costello got his second on a gorgeous move in tight on Desfosses at 8:55 to make it 3-0. The Bucks broke the shutout with a shorthanded goal when the IceRays were on a two-man advantage. Adam Rivet converted a two-on-one at 14:16 to bring the Bucks within two, but Ryan Bennett’s goal from the left circle at 17:42 closed the scoring in the IceRays win.
 
Kevin Beech (16-8-4) earned the win, making 24 saves on 25 shots. Kevin Desfosses (10-12-2) took the loss making 21 saves on 25 shots. The IceRays power play went 0-4 and the Bucks went 1-3. The IceRays and the Bucks each had 25 shots in the game.