The Odessa Jackalopes (5-7-2) are finally coming back home after spending the first 14 games of the season on the road. It has been a long journey, but everyone is excited to get back on home ice and play in front of fans.
The Jacks last weekend played these same El Paso Rhinos in El Paso. Game one was a thrilling contest that saw the game go into a shootout. None of the goalies were relenting, until the 7th frame of the shootout where Jacks defenseman Svante Strandberg sniped the puck in the back of the net. El Paso would not score on the ensuing attempt, giving the Jacks the shootout victory, and the extra point in the contest.
The 2nd game was a defensive battle. Neither team let up a goal through two periods of play, even though there were many chances for both teams on the power play. It only took a minute, however, into the 3rd period for El Paso to strike and break the deadlock. The rest of the period saw back and forth action, but the last five minutes is where things began to fall apart. Defenseman Lem Vardy would be whistled for head contact as he made a hit in the neutral zone. Vardy would then be tripped after the play, seemingly making the sides even. Vardy would be hit with an additional penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, resulting in a 5 on 4 power play with just under 5 minutes remaining. Jacks Head Coach Scott Deur, was looking for an explanation from the officiating crew and the Jacks bench would then receive a delay of game penalty making it a 5 on 3 power play for the Rhinos. They would score on the 5 on 3 and the 5 on 4 power plays making it a 3-0 game. The final buzzer sounded and for the 2nd time in 3 games Kael DePape shutout his former team.
Forward Hayden DeMars has 5 pts in his last 3 games (2g, 3a) dating back to the Amarillo series. DeMars is also the team’s point and goals leader as he has 11 pts (6g, 5a) in 13 total games for the Jacks.
El Paso currently sits at the top of the standings in the South division with a 10-3-1 record (21pts), while the Jacks currently sit in last with a 5-7-2 record (12 pts). This weekend’s contests will be available on NAHLTV and 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!