The Odessa Jackalopes (3-5-1) took on the El Paso Rhinos (6-2-0) Saturday night as they looked for the 3rd straight weekend split. Forward Hayden Demars rode a 4 game point streak (4G, 1A) into Saturday’s contest. Former Jacks goalie Kael DePape started for El Paso, after being dealt there on Friday.
The first period saw both teams have their fair share of opportunities. At the 6:30 mark of the first, both Cameron Dunn and Liam Bard went to the box for two minutes for roughing. This opened the ice up for some 4 on 4 hockey, but neither team was able to capitalize as both goalies stood strong. In the last 5 minutes of the opening frame, El Paso would go on their first power play of the game, but the Jacks penalty kill was able to successfully kill it off. The buzzer would sound, ending the first period with a 0-0 deadlock. Shots on goal were 9-6 in favor of El Paso.
The 2nd period was much of the same. Both teams came out of the locker room fast paced and got some opportunities toward the net, but none found the twine of the back of the net. The best chance of the period came on a breakaway for Nicholas Puricelli. He pulled a toe drag around the defender, threw the puck to his backhand and roofed one, but DePape robbed him with a windmill save. El Paso would be awarded their 2nd power play of the game at the 14:21 mark as Lemuel Vardy went to the box for tripping. Odessa would successfully kill it off. As the Jacks got back to full strength, Cameron Dunn took the puck into the offensive zone while his linemates were going for a change, cut toward the net, and drew a penalty. The Jacks would go on the power play, but they were unsuccessful in converting. In the last minute of the 2nd period off of a neutral zone turnover, Tory Lund would burn up the ice for the Rhinos and fire one home, blocker side on Quentin Sigurdson, giving the Rhinos the 1-0 lead.
The 3rd period was a tight battle. Both teams going back and forth with the physicality ramping up even higher than it already was. In the last minute and a half, the Jacks would pull the goalie in favor of the extra attacker, however, they were unable to set up in the offensive zone, due to great defense from the Rhinos. The final buzzer sounded and DePape, in his first game against his former team, recorded his 1st win of the season, and his 1st shutout.
El Paso would move to 7-2-0 with that victory, while the Jacks fell to 3-6-1 on the season. The next game for the Jacks is Friday, October 13th, at 7:15 P.M. CDT. These games will be available on NAHLTV.
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! Opening weekend is October 27th and 28th as the Odessa Jackalopes take on the El Paso Rhinos.