Corpus Christi, TX – The Corpus Christi IceRays defeated the Amarillo Wranglers by the final score of 2-0 at American Bank Center on Saturday.
This was the season series finale between the two clubs, with both teams picking up a win at the Budweiser Bull Pen back in September and the Wranglers winning 2-1 on Friday night. Connor McDonough and Bryant Marks both started the game for their respective teams after both started on Friday.
The IceRays opened the scoring late in the first period with a goal from Mathieu Bourgault with 4:44 remaining in the period. Bourgault’s goal was assisted by Will Reardon and Dylan Jensen and gave the IceRays a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission. Corpus Christi outshot Amarillo 9-8 after one period of play. There were no penalties in the first period.
Unlike the first period, the second period saw a handful of penalties committed by both teams. The Wranglers were perfect on the penalty kill in the second period but could not find a way to score on the power play. With 7 minutes remaining in the second period, Michael Valdez scored for the IceRays to extend their lead to 2-0. Anthony Cafarelli and Zakhar Polshakov picked up the assists. Amarillo outshot Corpus Christi 13-7 in the second and 21-16 through two periods.
The Wranglers opened the third period with a 5 on 3 power play, and had another 5 on 3 again later on in the period, but were unable to convert either chance into a goal. Amarillo outshot Corpus Christi 15-8 in the third period and 36-24 overall, but were unable to solve Bryant Marks and ultimately fell 2-0. Marks earned a 36-save shutout en route to becoming the South Division’s first star of the week and was a major contributor to Corpus Christi’s success on Saturday. It is just the second time all season Amarillo has been shut out. Despite the loss, Amarillo went a perfect 8/8 on the penalty kill. The Wranglers and IceRays end the season series each winning two games.
The Wranglers will head back to the Texas Panhandle to the Budweiser Bull Pen for two big matchups against the Oklahoma Warriors on Friday and Saturday night. Friday night is Member Appreciation Night, and Saturday is Pucks & Paws Night. You can get your tickets at panhandletickets.com.