Despite a 39 save performance, fustration dominates in 1-0 loss to Traverse City

It might been just a 1-0 loss for the Corpus Christi Icerays in their season opener, it looked like it could have been much worse if it weren't for Marco Weisner's 41 save performance that helped keep the team in the game.

From failing to convert on 7 power plays to not pouncing on opportunities, it just wasn't a great day over for the Icerays despite the boxscore against the defending North Division Champion Traverse City North Stars who are looking to return to the NAHL Robertson Cup Championship this year.

It was just frustrating all the way around from the South Texas Team that's looking to rebound later this week to help open the season.

Corpus Christi Icerays 0 Traverse City North Stars 1 (0-1, 0-0, 0-0)

From Greg Rajan of the Corpus Christi Caller

From Blaine, Minnesota: As far as openers go, the Icerays probably won't want to reash much of what happened Wednesday.

Corpus Christi's first game in the North American Hockey League was riddled with mistakes and inconsistency, dooming the Icerays in a 1-0 loss to the Traverse City North Stars at Schwan's Super Rink.

The Icerays, in the first of four games this week at the NAHL's Showcase Tournament, never could get their offense going, as they were out-shot 42-17 and out-chanced by a good margin. And that came after being shut out in a pair of exhibition losses to NAHL Powerhouse Topeka last weekend.

"Were not shooting enough and not getting the offense we need to," coach Brent Huges said. "We had a couple of chances in shooting areas and we're looking to dish the puck or make the pretty play."

"I know we're going to go through the ups and downs, but its a tough lost to a 1-0 hockey game. You know in a game you usually get a goal somewhere, it'll trickle in, go off a guy's butt or leg pad. They're just not going in for us. Hopefully it'll come in bunches here shortly."

Icerays goalie Marco Wieser was saddled with the tough luck loss. He turned in a strong effort, making 39 saves. The only blemish was at 6:15 of the first period, when Traverse City's Eric Fragoso scored on a two-on-one rush from the right wing after Corpus Christi Defensemen Jason Souva was caught up ice.

"He played pretty solid for us," Hughes said of Wiesner. "He gave us a chance to stay in the hockey game."

North Stars Goaile Tyler Marble stopped all 17 shots he faced, with his best save coming early in the third period, when Cody Miliigan was denied on a one-timer from the slot.

The Icerays also missed on a prime chance during a second period power play, when Shane Gleason shot wide from the right wing circle with Marble down in front of the net.

"I think we're passing more then were shooting and I think we should be shooting from everywhere," forward Sam Cheraso said.

Corpus Christi cut a frequent path to the penalty box, killing off all seven penalties in the first 40 minutes.

"The Penalties killed us, too," Cheraso said. "It's not all the refs fault. It's our fault for putting ourselves in the position for them to call them."

With the opener out of the way, players looked ahead to Thursday's Game against the Chicago Hitmen.

"There definitely were (jitters) for me," forward Derek Schartz said. "The hands were too tight on the stick and were way to jittery."

"I don't think were snakebit. As soon as we get the first (goal), we're going to be all right."