Corpus Christi Online - / Robertson strikes again as IceRays halt Stampede, 3-1

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Sunday, Nov. 1, 1998
Robertson strikes again as IceRays halt Stampede, 3-1
Corpus Christi kills off eight power plays to remain atop WPHL Central
From staff and correspondent reports

   BELTON - Chris Robertson scored two goals and assisted on a third, and the Corpus Christi IceRays won their second consecutive game, defeating Central Texas, 3-1, Saturday night here at the Bell County Expo Center.
   The IceRays improved to 7-3, good for 14 points and first place in the Western Professional Hockey League's Central Division. Central Texas fell to 4-3.
   With injuries to Shaun Peet and Jody Praznik, the IceRays skated with just four defesemen. Corpus Christi was up to the task, protecting a lead for the second consecutive game.
   The IceRays killed off all eight Central Texas power plays.
   "It was pure dominance," IceRays coach Taylor Hall said. "It showed the character and depth of this team. It was beautiful to watch."
   Only 1,977 fans attended the game. Saturday's game was the sandwich game of a three-day, three-game set for Corpus Christi. The IceRays defeated San Angelo, 3-2, Saturday and they travel to Fort Worth today for a 6 p.m. game.
   Robertson's two goals and assist raised his league-leading point total to 20. Forward Craig Coxe scored the other Corpus Christi goal.
   "Our goal was to jump out early and let these guys know that we're for real," Robertson said. "I think some people were being to wonder about us, and we have to play these guys seven more times."
   The IceRays took a 2-0 lead after 20 minutes behind Robertson's seventh and eighth goals of the season. Both Robertson goals came via passes from his linemates Geoff Bumstead and Lorne Toews.
   The second goal featured a down-the-boards pass from Toews to Bumstead, who was positioned behind the Central Texas net. Bumstead fired a pass to the slot, where Robertson put a stick on the puck for a one-time goal.
   For the eighth time in 10 games, Corpus Christi scored the game's first goal. The IceRays have not lost when they score first.
   Central Texas closed the gap to 2-1 on Jamie Pegg's fifth goal of the year, but Coxe restored the Corpus Christi two-goal lead just 20 seconds later. Robertson assisted on Coxe's goal, the 15-year veteran's third of the season, and the IceRays led, 3-1.
   After a four-day bout with the flu, Corpus Christi goalie Frank Caprice started and played the entire game in net.
   Central Texas goalie Nando Wieser entered the game with a save percentage of 87, and a 3.09 goals-against average.
   Corpus Christi outshot Central Texas, 36-27.

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