The Odessa Jackalopes began their second half of the season in Corpus Christi as they took on the IceRays in game one of three total games this weekend.
It was the IceRays who struck first in the opening frame, a blind backhand pass to a streaking Anthony Cafarelli, left all alone in front of the net, left no chance for goaltender Quentin Sigurdson, as Cafarelli fired it home, high glove side to make it a 1-0 contest. The 2nd half of the 1st period, was all Odessa as they were able to sustain pressure in the offensive zone, and it paid off as a shot rang in from Trevor Mitchell, the initial shot was stopped, but on the doorstep was Teddy Manlove as he deposited the loose change, tying the game at one. The game would remain tied going into the 1st intermission, with shots on goal favoring the Jacks 13-8.
The 2nd period was a quick start for the IceRays as they struck within the first minute of the period. Mathieu Borgeault was left all alone in front of the net as he took advantage of the space and fired one home on Sigurdson, restoring the lead for the IceRays. The Jacks would respond just under two minutes later as Riley Rosenthal would get his first of the year on a broken play. He fired the puck toward the net, the initial save was made, but the puck was deflecting and crossed the goal line prior to the net coming off of it’s moorings, which once again tied the game. At the conclusion of the 2nd period, tensions would boil over. James Richman and Anthony Cafarelli would drop the gloves and fire haymakers before being separated by the linesmen. The game would once again be tied, this time at two, going into the 3rd period.
The 3rd period saw chances for both teams on both ends, but with just over six minutes remaining, Stepan Kuznetsov, danced around a defender, moved below the goal line, emerged on the near side, walked into the faceoff circle, and wristed one past Sigurdson, giving the IceRays the 3-2 lead. The Jacks would pull the goalie with just over two minutes remaining, generate some grade A opportunities, especially with five seconds left, when Rosenthal pounced on a loose puck, fired a slap shot, that ended up being stopped by a heroic windmill save from IceRays goalie Bryant Marks. The IceRays would hold on for the victory and skate away with two points.
The Jacks fall to 13-13-4 (30 pts) and the next Jacks game is Saturday, December 30th, as the Jacks take on the Corpus Christi IceRays.
These games will be broadcast to NAHLTV with an audio only version available on the Odessa Jackalopes YouTube page.
Reminder Jacks fans single game tickets are on sale and season ticket packages are still available. You can find them online or call 432-552-7825 and Tania can help you out. Come be a part of the Jacks family as we celebrate 27 continuous years of hockey in Odessa!