Jordan Cameron put the Brahmas on the board early with this shot over Kevin Beech's shoulder

How about them Brahmas!

Skworchinski scores twice in 4-3 win over Corpus Christi

The Texas Brahmas defeated the Corpus Christi IceRays in a 4-3 thriller tonight at the NYTEX Sports Center. Jordan Cameron scored a goal in his first night back on the ice, Jason Deitsch had three assists and Tyler Skworchinski scored twice, including the game-winner in front of a sold out crowd.

With the win, the Brahmas maintain their hold on the third slot in the Southern Conference with a 29-19-5 record and 63 points. The Laredo Bucks also won tonight, defeating the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees 3-2, and remain two points behind the boys in purple and black.

Prior to the start of the game, the Brahmas announcer gave a spoken tribute to longtime Brahmas and North Texas hockey fan, Gary Stallons. After a moment of silence in remembrance to "Old Bull", who passed away this morning, the game was ready to begin.

The Brahmas came out strong and took an early lead, thanks to a heads up play by Jordan Cameron who took a feed from Jason Deitsch and sent a shot over Kevin Beech's shoulder from the bottom of the right circle. At the 3:26 mark it was a 1-0 game.

The Brahmas and Brett Jaeger seemed in control of the period but things changed unexpectedly in the final minute when the IceRays created a turnover deep in Texas territory. Chris Richards was able to beat Jaeger from the lower right circle to tie the score at the 19:03 mark. Ryan Bennett and Ryan Garbutt were credited with the assist.

After 20 minutes, the Brahmas had a 10-8 shot advantage but went into the locker room tied at one.

The second period began much like the first, but it was the IceRays who scored early, taking a 2-1 lead at the 3:28 mark when Adam Powell converted a two-on-one with a little help from RG Flath and Jason Tessier.

After IceRays defenseman Matt Smyth was called for Board Checking at the 5:39 mark, the Brahmas were able to score on the ensuing power play when Tyler Skworchinski sent in a shot from the slot to make it a 2-2 game at the 7:09 mark. Jason Deitsch and Jordan Cameron were in on the assist.

Just 30 seconds later, Scott Thauwald beat Kevin Beech with a shot from just outside the crease to give the Brahmas the 3-2 lead and the shits came off in Section 303. AJ Gale and Nathan Perrott assisted.

Shots were tied at 10 in the middle frame and the Brahmas defended the lead through 40 minutes.

Heading into the final period, the IceRays stepped up the pressure on the Brahmas but were stymied by the D corps and could not solve Jaeger throughout the frame. The action intensified in the final five minutes and although the Brahmas had the lead, it was still anyone's game.

IceRays coach Brent Hughes pulled Kevin Beech with just over a minute remaining to add an extra attacker and then, with 34 seconds left in regulation, Jordan Cameron was called for Hooking, giving Corpus Christi a decided advantage. But the bounces didn't go their way and just six seconds later, Tyler Skworchinski took a pass from Jason Deitsch skated the puck in to score a shorthanded empty net goal to make it a 4-2 final. Or so we thought. Undeterred and still with the empty net, Ryan Garbutt sent in the FU goal with just over a second left to set the final at 4-3. Chad Woollard and Kyle Peto assisted.

Shots were tied at 11 in the final frame and the Brahmas had the 31-29 advantage in the game.

Brett Jaeger made 26 saves on 29 shots and earns the win. His record goes to 18-11-1-2. Kevin Beech made 27 saves on 30 shots and takes the loss. His record goes to 7-3-1-2 with the IceRays (he began the season with the Mississippi RiverKings).

The Brahmas went one for four on the power play. Corpus Christi went one for two. The Brahmas were assessed four minutes on two infractions. The IceRays received eight minutes on four infractions.

The 3rd Star of the game went to Brett Jaeger for his performance in net. The 2nd Star was awarded to Tyler Skworchinski who scored two goals, including the game-winner and the 1st Star went to Jordan Cameron who had a goal and an assist in his first game back since taking a huge hit during the game against the Allen Americans on February 13th.

You can view the box score here

You can view photos from the game here

Photo Credit: Robert Keith