Odessa, TX – Ricky Carballo finished the comeback for the Odessa Jackalopes (11-10-1-1) by netting the game-winner with 4:59 into the third period of regulation to edge the Corpus Christi IceRays (9-11-2-2) by a final score of 2-1 in regulation. With the victory and the loss to the Amarillo Bulls, Odessa moves into a tie for 3rd in the south division.
The scoring got started by Corpus Christi’s Pavel Koreshkov only 2:19 into the 2nd period. It started as Brett Epp made a save through traffic, but a soft rebound on the weak-side was collected and put back by Koreshkov for the 1-0 lead.
The Jackalopes were a resilient team, and after finishing the second period on a power play, they started up the third the same way. Lucas Andersson launched a Swedish Slapper that beat a screened Chad Veltri for the tie game only 1:03 into the third period.
One more power play goal was all that was needed for Odessa. James Crossman flung a puck through heavy traffic, and a fearless Ricky Carballo in front of the net tipped it past Veltri for the goal. The goal for Carballo was his second in two games for the Jackalopes, with both being the game-winning goal.
Despite the goals, the third period was highlighted the first fight of the season for the Jackalopes. The rookie, Dylan Johnson, threw down the gauntlet with three-year with three-year vet and alternate captain for the IceRays, Matt Acciaoili, as the two exchanged punches until it was ended by a grapple to the ice.
Brett Epp played amazing, making 37 saves to get the victory while his counterpart turned back 32 shots in the loss.
The Jackalopes return to action next weekend when they travel to North Richland Hills to take on the Lone Star Brahmas next Friday and Saturday night. If you can’t make it out, make sure to tune in on Classic Rock 102 for all your Jackalopes action all season long.
The 2017-2018 Odessa Jackalopes single game tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or hop on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
Also, be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter and Facebook (@LetsGoJacks), Instagram (odessajackalopes), and add us on Snapchat (odessajacks) all year long.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
