FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Saturday, January 24, 2015
HAUSINGER BROTHERS HIGHLIGHT 4-2 DEFEAT VERSUS AMARILLO
Kenny and Christian score Jacks goals; Jackalopes earn series split with Bulls
ODESSA, TX – After a 6-4 win over Amarillo Friday night in Odessa, the Jackalopes had their sights on their first back-to-back wins of the season, and a sweep over their arch rival, Amarillo Bulls. With the trade of Ian Mansfield earlier in the day, the Jacks dressed son of head coach Greg Gatto, Taylor Gatto in his first career junior contest. The Lethbridge, AB native spent time playing AAA hockey in Phoenix, AZ and Independence, MO before making his way to Odessa. With an open roster spot, Gatto was given the call on Saturday night. After a tough performance in goal for Bulls netminder Anton Martinsson Friday night, Head Coach Jon Rogger called up Jake Weatherly Saturday night. The Jacks countered with veteran Tanner Creel, who had the night off Friday.
The Bulls starterd the hockey game much better Saturday and drew first blood at 5:38. Elijah Barriga scored his sixth goal of the year by corralling the puck behind the Jacks goal and wrapping the puck between the legs of Creel. When the Bulls score first this season, they have a 9-3-2 record. Chances for both teams were thwarted the rest of the way and Bulls took a one goal lead to the locker room after 20.
Kenny Hausinger (Sacred Heart) picked up his first of two points on the night with a goal 5:38 of the second period to tie the game. Hausinger got a pass in the slot from Razmuz Waxin-Engback and beat Weatherly on the right, blocker side to knot the game at one apiece. Just 34 seconds later Riley Christensen put the Bulls back up 2-1. The Bulls would not look back from there. Amarillo was granted a power play in the second and when Rhys Phelps tried to clear the puck away from Will Harrison, he accidently tapped the puck to Tanner Creel, who could not keep it out of his net. Credit on the goal was given to Will Harrison and the Bulls lead 3-1. Just 57 seconds after that, the Jacks thought they were getting an icing call against Amarillo that never came. The Jacks could not clear the puck and Ben Jentsch scored his second goal of the season on a long wrister that bounced off the equipment of Creel, went over his head, and into the net. The Bulls took a 4-1 lead after two.
The Jacks ramped up the intensity in the third and got rewarded with a power play 8:52 into the third. Christian Hausinger (Sacred Heart) scored his fourth goal of the season by camping out in the slot area. When Kenny Hausinger’s drive from the point was blocked, Christian found the puck on his stick and swept it towards the goal, beating Weatherly on his blocker side. Continuing the pressure, the Jacks finally succumb at 15:41 when Max Rasberg took an elbowing major penalty. The Bulls were able to melt the clock and hold on to a 4-2 decision.
The Jackalopes now welcome the Corpus Christi IceRays to town this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ector County Coliseum. It’s Pink in the Rink weekend presented by the Odessa Regional Medical Center. The Jacks will wear pink jerseys all three games and promote women’s health. The Jerseys will be auctioned off on Saturday, January 31st, To get your tickets, call (432) 552-7825 or visit us online at http://www.jackalopes.org/
In 2014-15, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their fourth season in the North American Hockey League and 18th in the Permian Basin. Season tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
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 —
