The Odessa Jackalopes returned home this week to take on the first place Lone Star Brahmas.
In the first period, the Jackalopes came out looking really strong. They got on the board first after a rocket from Joe Kinsella was saved and rebounded by Chase Thudium. Thudium scored his seventh goal on the year as he was able to rebound Kinsella’s shot and shoot the puck through the five-hole of the Brahmas goaltender Alec Calvaruso. That was the only goal given up, as Calvaruso was able to save all other 17 shots he faced on the night.
With a 1-0 lead, the Jacks didn’t let off the peddle, but a power play goal by Simon Loof tied the game at 1-1. Loof split the defenders and made a nice toe drag to beat a third on his way to the net as he shot one past Jackalopes goaltender Jonny Hogue.
With a 1-1 tie heading into the second, the Jacks were hoping to get another one and turn the tide in their favor in front of their home crowd. Lone Star thwarted their efforts by scoring a goal 1:42 into the second period by Troy York as he beat Hogue with another shot for the goal lead. The Jackalopes were limited to only five shots in the period, with the team thinking it can only go uphill from here in the third.
Unfortunately the Jackalopes were held to only three total shots in the third period. Two late penalties in the second period by the Jackalopes led to a five-on-three advantage for the Brahmas. It looked like the Jacks would be able to clear it off until there were just under 30 seconds left when Justin Addamo, the 6’6” French centerman, took a shot that beat Hogue glove-side. Jacks were able to kill off the rest of the power play still down 2. Later in the 3rd, the Brahmas scored one more after Hogue saved a shot from Pete Kessel that rebounded right onto the stick of Austin Kamer who had a wide-open net to shoot on past Hogue.
Jonny Hogue saved 27 of 31 total shots he faced as his record is now 5-4 on the year. Alec Calvaruso was able to save 17 of the 18 shots he faced, increasing his record to a perfect 6-0 on the year.
Season tickets can still be bought at the Jackalopes office, or by calling 432-552-PUCK(7825). Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year long and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
