The Odessa Jackalopes wrapped up a busy three-game homestand at the Ector County Coliseum, facing the Oklahoma Warriors on Friday and Saturday before closing out the weekend against the Shreveport Mudbugs on Sunday.
The Jackalopes finished the weekend with a 1–2 record, battling through three competitive matchups that included an impressive comeback effort Friday, a 5–3 victory Saturday, and a controversial finish Sunday afternoon.
Friday, October 23: Jackalopes Rally but Fall Short Against Oklahoma, 5–4
Odessa opened the weekend against the Oklahoma Warriors in a high-scoring South Division showdown.
The Warriors jumped out to an early 3–0 advantage before Hunter Toms put Odessa on the board, assisted by Max Donatelli, cutting the deficit to 3–1 after the opening period.
Oklahoma extended its lead to 4–1 in the second period, but the Jackalopes refused to back down.
Bjorn Bahneman sparked the comeback with a goal assisted by Ryan Staples, followed by Max Donatelli finding the back of the net. Kaid Pawlanta completed the comeback, scoring off an assist from Max Pieninkeroinen to even the game at 4–4 heading into the final period.
Despite Odessa’s impressive comeback effort, Oklahoma scored the deciding goal in the third period to secure a 5–4 victory, snapping the Jackalopes’ six-game winning streak.
Saturday, October 24: Jackalopes Bounce Back with 5–3 Victory
The Jackalopes returned to the ice Saturday night determined to respond to Friday’s disappointing finish, and they delivered in front of the home crowd.
Oklahoma struck early, putting Odessa behind once again, but the Jackalopes maintained their composure and found their offensive rhythm.
Jonathan Cifaldi, Lucas Goodfellow, Bjorn Bahneman, Adam Matar, and Ryan Staples each found the back of the net for Odessa, while Max Pieninkeroinen contributed three assists to help lead the offensive effort.
The Jackalopes outscored Oklahoma 4–1 over the final two periods, completing a strong comeback and securing a 5–3 victory.
Saturday’s win highlighted Odessa’s resilience and determination, allowing the Jackalopes to split the two-game series against the Warriors.
Sunday, October 25: Controversial Late Call Overshadows 3–2 Loss to Shreveport
The Jackalopes closed out their three-game homestand Sunday afternoon against the Shreveport Mudbugs in another hard-fought South Division matchup.
Odessa battled throughout the afternoon, keeping the contest within reach as Shreveport held a narrow advantage.
The game’s biggest moment came with less than a minute remaining in regulation. Odessa appeared to have scored the game-tying goal, but a controversial decision by the officials waved off the equalizer.
The disputed call left the Jackalopes and the home crowd frustrated, as what could have been a dramatic late-game comeback was taken off the scoreboard.
With the potential tying goal disallowed, Odessa was unable to force overtime, and Shreveport escaped the Ector County Coliseum with a 3–2 victory.
Despite the disappointing result, the Jackalopes continued battling until the final horn, closing out a demanding three-game weekend with another determined effort.
Looking Ahead
The Jackalopes finished the weekend with one victory and two closely contested losses, scoring 11 goals across three games.
From Friday night’s four-goal comeback to Saturday’s impressive victory and Sunday’s controversial finish, the weekend showcased the team’s grit, resilience, and determination.
Although the Jackalopes came away with just one win, their fight and competitive spirit were on display throughout all three contests.
Odessa will look to carry that momentum forward as the team continues its 2026–27 North American Hockey League season.
The Odessa Jackalopes would like to thank Jackalopes Nation for showing up, bringing the energy, and supporting the team throughout the entire weekend at the Ector County Coliseum!