Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - Newcomers impressed by Igloo atmosphere

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Tuesday, October 5, 1999

Newcomers impressed by Igloo atmosphere

By Mark Button
Caller-Times

Clint McArthur had heard stories of the energetic atmosphere inside Memorial Coliseum during IceRays hockey games.
   He heard about the near-deafening noise, the rabid, rowdy fans.
   He even heard about the stingrays fans throw on the ice after Corpus Christi goals.
   Still, he wondered what the experience would really be like.
   "I wasn't totally sure what to expect," said McArthur, one of five IceRays who scored goals in Sunday night's exhibition game that saw Lake Charles win, 6-5 in overtime. "But I like it. I'm really going to like playing here."
   Corpus Christi will host the Ice Pirates again today, at 7:05 p.m. in Game 2 of the Caller-Times Best of the Best series.
   McArthur recorded two assists to accompany his goal, matching fellow newcomer Alain Savage's three-point effort. Savage had two assists and his tip-in goal with 21 seconds to play sent the game to overtime. "The fans are really into it here," Savage said. "It felt like a real game, not an exhibition."
   Last year's team captain Jody Praznik, who wore the captain's "C" on his jersey Sunday, said he was pleased with the team effort despite the loss.
   "We didn't make any major mistakes, and the guys kept battling," said Praznik, who scored a goal in the first period on a low blast from the blue line. "Any time you're an athlete and you're playing a game, no matter what kind of game, you want to win. But I'd rather lose an exhibition game than a regular-season game."
   In preparation for today's game, Corpus Christi practiced Monday at 10 a.m. and Lake Charles skated at noon.
   IceCubes
   A LOUCKS HAS DECISIONS, TOO: Lake Charles coach Bob Loucks is in a situation similar to Hall's in that Loucks has 16 talented forwards in camp and will have cut anywhere from four to six of them. "I honestly think all 16 could play in the league," Loucks said prior to Sunday's game. "The salary cap will be an issue ... there are so many factors that go into picking a team."
   A WPHL PRESENCE: Western Professional Hockey League director of hockey operations Brad Treliving attended Sunday's game to evaluate the on- and off-ice officials. Treviling also addressed both teams after the game regarding the league's substance abuse policy and other issues.
   A FROM RUSSIA TO LOUISANA: In one of his offseason moves, oucks acquired Alexander Triotsky, a defenseman who, while never playing for a WPHL team, has experience in the league. Triotsky was the leading scorer for Tratkor Chelyabinsk, one of two Russian touring teams that played games against WPHL teams last season.
   A WACO WATCHING: The Waco Wizards were in attendance at Sunday's game. In town since Saturday, the Wizards are practicing at the Igloo until Wednesday because the ice at Waco's Heart O' Texas Coliseum is not ready.

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