Corpus Christi, Texas --- In their first preseason test in nearly two years, the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees fell to the Corpus Christi Rayz 4-1 at American Bank Center Saturday night.

The teams traded first period goals before the Rayz opened up a two-goal lead in a span of just over a minute. Derek Smith converted to break the tie at 5:16, then the trio of Joe Blaznek, Justin Quenneville and Jason Baird made it a 3-1 game at 6:18. Blaznek, a high-scoring veteran acquired from Wichita during the offseason, finished off a 3-on-1 tic-tac-toe passing play. Jon Jankus added the fourth Rayz goal at 6:04 of the third.

Rio goaltender Jeff Van Nynatten saw the first 40 minutes of action, with Matt Spezza taking over in the third. Likewise, Jason Tapp got the start for Corpus, with Kevin Couture inserted in the third period.

The last preseason game for the Bees was on October 17, 2005, a 3-2 Rio win over Corpus at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo. Both of Rio’s preseason contests last season were scrapped thanks to immigration problems throughout the league.

The Bees and Rayz have another preseason game this Monday night at the Dodge. The teams also open up the regular season with a home-and-home series beginning in Hidalgo on October 19.

http://pointstreak.com/prostats/boxscore.html?gameid=540347

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