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Thursday, Feb. 25, 1999
Final homestand crucial for IceRays
Eight games remain at the Igloo starting tonight with IceBats
By MARK BUTTON
Staff Writer

   Now more than ever, Corpus Christi must defend its home ice.
   The IceRays (31-21-5, 67 points) have 14 games remaining in the regular season, eight of which will be played at Memorial Coliseum. With the IceRays having not played a game since Saturday, the Waco Wizards hurdled Corpus Christi in the Western Professional Hockey League Central Division standings. The IceRays now find themselves two points behind Waco, and the Wizards have played three fewer games than have the IceRays.
   "This is sort of a `homer' league," Corpus Christi coach Taylor Hall said. "All the teams have better records at home than on the road. It's important that we take all the remaining home games if we're going to win the division."
   Each of the three division-winners receives a first-round bye in the playoffs.
   Corpus Christi will look to improve upon its 18-7-2 home mark today against Austin in a 7:05 p.m. game. Though the Ice Bats (22-24-9, 53 points) are the Central Division's last-place team, they have given Corpus Christi fits.
   The IceRays are 2-2-2 against Austin; with the teams having split the two meetings at the Igloo. The Ice Bats spoiled the IceRays' opening night festivities back on Oct. 13, defeating Corpus Christi, 4-3.
   "I really don't think that we have played that poorly against Austin," said Bob Quinnell, a defenseman who just returned to the IceRays from a six-game stint with the Las Vegas Thunder of the International Hockey League. "I think that they have just gotten a few more bounces in a few of the games."
   Each of the six meetings between Austin and Corpus Christi has been decided by two goals or less.
   "Now is the time that we need to start playing our best hockey," Hall said. "At this point, we should never show up for a game not ready."

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