The New Mexico Scorpions beat Corpus Christi 2-1 in a shootout Wednesday evening in Texas, giving the team a season-high four-game winning streak

Tim Vitek came back to stone his old team with a fifth-round shootout goal. The goal was the first for Vitek in a Scorpions uniform.

After a scoreless first period, each team used the power play to get on the board in the second. Jay Latulippe notched his fifth goal of the season when his shot deflected off a stick into the net at the 10:49 mark. New Mexico came back late in the period when Erik Johnson brought the puck into the zone on the power play; Johnson found Jay Holladay at the blue line with a perfect pass.

Although Holladay’s shot was saved by goalie Jason Tapp, Chris Robertson was there to put the rebound home, tying the game at one.

After the scoreless overtime period, the shootout was conducted, with Vitek sending the Rayz fans home without a smile.

On Friday the Scorpions visited Austin in Chaparral Ice Arena; the Scorpions were at Rio Grande Valley on Saturday.

Stingers: Scorpions head coach Randy Murphy said 20-year-old defenseman Michael Kolarz, 20, is returning to the Czech Republic to play in the Czech Extraliga, regarded as one of the top pro hockey leagues throughout Europe. In 31 games, Kolarz scored four goals and added 10 assists and amassed 45 penalty minutes. The Havirov, Czech Republic, native was the youngest player on the Scorpions’ roster. His roster spot will be filled by Blair Stayzer, who was due to return from the injured reserve in time for Friday’s game in Austin.

… The annual CHL All-Star Game is Wednesday in the Broomfield (Colo.) Event Center, home ice for the Rocky Mountain Rage. Scorpions Vladimir Hartinger, Konrad Reeder and Andrew Martin are the team’s all-stars.

... The Scorpions are home for a pair of weekend games Jan. 18-19. On Friday, when the Scorpions take the ice vs. Odessa, they will wear specialty jerseys that will be auctioned off after the game to benefit the American Cancer Society. On Saturday, Special Olympics will be recognized when the Scorpions host Wichita. The first 1,500 children inside the Santa Ana Star Center receive a Jr. Jersey, courtesy of Peoples Mortgage.