Scorpions tied for second place in division

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The Scorpions trailed first place Arizona by three points and second place Odessa by two entering the evening. Arizona defeat Rocky Mountain 4-3 to maintain first place, but Odessa lost at Colorado 5-2.

New Mexico jumped out to a 2-0 lead on a power play goal by Dominic Osman and an even-strength score Chris Robertson.

Justin Wucchenneville's goal with 1:58 left in the period brought the Rayz back within range, and Corpus Christi tied the game when Brent Howarth stuffed in a rebound of his own shot less than three minutes into the second period.

Just when it seemed the Scorpins had lost momentum, enter Kevin Harvey. New Mexico's chief enforcer squared off with Adam Powell of the Rayz as the teams lined up for a faceoff, and the brief brawl seemed to give New Mexico a spark.

When Corpus Christi's Chris Mei was whistled for a trippng penalty 27 seconds later, the Scorpions were back on the power play. And New Mexicco capitlaized, with  Craig Macdonald camping in front of the net and taking a nice pass from Aaron MacInnis to one-time goalie Jason Tapp for the lead.

Erik Johnson's goal 3:16 later made the margin two goals. Howarth scored his second goal of the game in the final period before Harvey added an empty-net goal with exactly one minute remaining, after which he and Powell resumed their brawl at center ice.

The Scorpions roller-coaster ride of a season is currently on an upswing. New Mexico came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, which was preceded by a four-game losing streak, eight-game winning streak and a four-game losing streak before that.

New Mexico outshot the Rayz 16-10 in the opening period. Adam Hogg's tripping penalty that led to McCain's goal was the only penalty of the period.

The Scorpions were outshot 12-8 in the second stanza.

New Mexico and Corpus Christi will square off again tonight at the Star Center, while Odessa and Arizona trade road opponents. For ticket information call 881-PUCK or go to www.ScorpionsHockey.com.

Complete statistics and standings are available at www.CentralHockeyLeague.com.