The Odessa Jackalopes currently sit in 7th place in the South standings, nine points behind their opponent this weekend, the New Mexico Ice Wolves.
It was a tough battle for the Jacks last weekend as they took on the division-leading and the league-leading Lone Star Brahmas. Friday night, the Brahmas took advantage of a strong 2nd period and won the game by a final score of 4-2. Saturday was a much different tale. Both teams goaltending and defense kept the game scoreless until the Jacks broke the tie midway through the 3rd period. Forward Nick Metelkin converted on a wrap-around as he tucked the puck in the back of the net around the pad of Brahmas goaltender Jack Wieneke. Lone Star would tie the game on a deflection in front with two minutes remaining, before scoring the game winner less than 30 seconds into overtime.
As for the Jacks’ opponent, it’s been an interesting two weeks for the Ice Wolves. While they’ve lost the last four games, all the losses have come post-regulation. The game before that, they won in OT. The Jacks are 1-1-0 against the Ice Wolves this season and have not played them since September 23rd.
This series will be the biggest series of the season so far as just nine points separate the Jackalopes and the Ice Wolves. Three wins for the Jacks this weekend could bring them to within three points of a playoff position.
The schedule for this weekend is as follows:
Thursday, February 8th, vs. New Mexico @ 7:15 P.M.
Friday, February 9th, vs. New Mexico @ 7:15 P.M.
Saturday, February 10th, vs. New Mexico @ 7:15 P.M.
These games can be streamed on the North American Hockey League’s streaming service NAHLTV, with the voice of the Jacks, Brandon Luisi. A free audio only version will also be available on the Odessa Jackalopes YouTube page.