The Odessa Jackalopes (2-3-1) took on the Colorado Grit (4-4-1) Friday night in the first game of the weekend series. Goalie Kael Depape got the nod for the Jacks in this contest.
The first period was a familiar sight for the Jacks as just a couple of minutes into the contest they conceded the first goal of the game. This was the 6th time in 7 games that the Jacks allowed the first goal of the contest. The rest of the period was mainly controlled by the Jacks as the shots on goal tally ended 11-3 in favor of Odessa.
The Jacks took that momentum into the 2nd period as forward Zach Benayon netted his 1st of the season just over a minute in. That goal was assisted by Nicholas Puricelli (1) and Braden Pietila (2). Midway through the 2nd period the Jacks would find themselves on the power play, but the Grit converted and scored two shorthanded goals. This would pull their lead to 3-1. The Jacks would get another power play near the end of the 2nd and it was that power play that was successful, as Michael Kadlecik buried home a rebound notching his 2nd of the season. Assists on that goal went to Lemuel Vardy (3) and Cameron Dunn (2). The 2nd period would end 3-2 in favor of the Grit with momentum on the Jacks side.
The Grit came out firing in the 3rd period and just over a minute in, fired the puck in the back of the net, restoring their two goal lead. Just three minutes later on the Grit power play, Hayden Demars would get a shorthanded breakaway, fake the forehand, send it to his backhand, and roof it in the back of the net, making it a one goal game again. Assists on that goal went to Vardy (4) and Pietila (3). The Jacks and the Grit would go back and forth, both getting grade A opportunities on either end. The Jacks would pull the goalie with a minute to go, get a couple shots to the net, but eventually the Grit cleared the zone and fired one home into the empty net, making it a 5-3 game. This sealed the Grit’s first win on home ice in franchise history.
The Jacks fall to 2-4-1 while the Grit improve to 5-4-1. The next Jacks game is tomorrow, Saturday, September 30th, @ 4:45 P.M. CDT. as they once again take on the Colorado Grit. These games will be available on NAHLTV. Unfortunately, this weekend there will not be an Odessa side broadcast, there will only be the Grit broadcast.
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.