The Odessa Jackalopes began a two-game set against the Amarillo Wranglers on Friday evening.
The first period was relatively dormant as both teams came alive in spurts. The Jackalopes in the first couple minutes of the game exploded in terms of shots on goal from the first line. Toward the middle stages of the first it was the Wranglers taking control of the pace and dominating. Ultimately, neither side struck paydirt in the first 20 minutes and the period ended scoreless with shots on goal being in favor of the Wranglers 13-11.
The game really came alive in the 2nd period as the Wranglers would strike for two goals within a minute and a half of each other. Both opportunities were on backdoor chances that the Wranglers were able to get behind the Jacks defense and find the open man. The Jacks wouldn’t go quietly however, as Luke Morris of the Wranglers would be hit with a game misconduct and a double minor for roughing, sending the Jacks on the first and only power play of the game. The Jacks brought the game to within one as Cameron Dunn fired one home, low glove, to pull the Jacks within one. Just a few minutes before the conclusion of the 2nd period, Marcus Fechko would convert on a one-timer to notch his 1st career NAHL goal and tie the game at two. The period would end tied at two with the Jacks having significant momentum going into the 3rd.
Physicality was a factor all game, but the 3rd period it ramped up and both teams were able to get significant chances toward the net but it would be the Jackalopes striking first in the 3rd period. Kowin Belsterling knocked a shot down from the point, located the loose puck and fired it into the open cage to give the Jacks their first lead of the contest. The Jacks would hold their lead until the late stages of the 3rd period, when Amarillo would pull their goalie with 2:15 remaining. It took just 17 seconds as the Wranglers fired a one-timer home into the back of the net to tie the game and force overtime.
If you blinked, you missed it, as the Jacks picked off the faceoff win, entered the zone with a two on one and converted on a rebound. Dunn with the overtime winner gave the Jackalopes the extra point in the contest.
The Jacks improve to 19-23-6 on the season, their next game is tomorrow, Saturday February 24th @ 7:15 P.M. against the Amarillo Wranglers.
All Jacks 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.