Tonight the Ice Wolves hosted the Corpus Christi IceRays for the first time this season. Corpus is the only South Division team to have not beaten New Mexico in regulation this season (2-0-0-2). Three of the previous four games between these two teams required more than 65 minutes. Corpus entered tonight on a three-game losing streak. As for the Ice wolves, they were winless in their last four contests.
The first period the Ice Wolves came out firing on all cylinders. Philip Ekberg (10) scored 3:36 into the period to give the Ice Wolves an early 1-0 lead. Spencer Rudrud (11) scored on the Ice Wolves first power-play opportunity at 14:27 of the first period. Corpus cut the lead in half after Hunter McDonald scored his first NAHL from the top of the point. With exactly ten seconds left in the opening period, Cooper Anderson sends a slap shot from the right circle into the back of the net. It marked his first NAHL goal. After a scoring frenzy first period, Ice Wolves were outshooting the IceRays, 11-10.
The shots kept coming in the middle period, however, only Corpus was able to get on the score sheet. Alberto Pison (1) was able to beat Henrik Laursen 10:32 into the middle frame. There were phenomenal saves on both ends of the ice and after 40 minutes of play New Mexico was outshooting Corpus Christi, 23-21.
In the final period of regulation, Corpus was able to tie the game at 3-3. Mac Wiseman (7) sent a backhand shot far side on Laursen near the halfway point of the period. Not even a minute later and New Mexico was back in the lead. Tristan Rand received a beautiful backhand pass from Connor Kemp and was able to put it past Cal Sandquist. Corpus Christi pulled Sandquist in the final minute of the game but it would not be enough for them. New Mexico skated away with the 4-3 victory when the final horn sounded. Shots finished even at 27-27.
With their win, New Mexico is now within six points of Corpus Christi. The loss put the IceRays on a four-game losing streak. Game two is scheduled for tomorrow night at 7pm. For tickets to that game or any of the other remaining Ice Wolves home games, click here.