Returning to the ice, looking to respond with a big win. But Corpus Christi runs propelled them to
a lead too steep to come back from.

The IceRays struck first as Nick Sinani converted. Pierson Sobush added to the lead.. Another
goal from Carter Krenke extended the IceRays’ lead to 3-0 after one, leaving Colorado on its
heels and searching for answers.

The Grit came out in the second period with energy and determination, outshooting Corpus
Christi 14-11 and generating several prime scoring chances. But IceRays netminder Trevor
Quinn was sharp, robbing the Grit on multiple occasions and keeping the home side off the
scoreboard.

Despite the pressure from Colorado, it was Corpus who padded their lead—capitalizing on
breakdowns and scoring four unanswered goals to push the margin to 7-0. The Grit showed
flashes of offensive cohesion and zone time, but couldn’t solve Quinn or shift the momentum.
Though the scoreboard was daunting, the Grit’s third period was a testament to their identity.
Captain George Poirier stepped up in a big way, notching a natural hat trick to give the home
fans something to rally behind and the locker room a spark of pride.

Poirier’s first came early in the third, finishing off a scramble in front. His second was a highlight-
reel effort, beating the defender wide before snapping a shot short-side. He capped it off with a
power-play bomb from the left circle, completing the hat trick and cutting the deficit to 7-3.
The effort didn’t go unnoticed, as the Grit closed the game with energy, effort, and a sense of
pride that will serve them well moving forward.