ODESSA, TX — The Jackalopes had a better start on Saturday night then they did on Friday. But ill-advised turnovers and defensive miscues ended up being the difference as the Jackalopes fell to the Wichita Falls Warriors by a score of 5-1 on Saturday night.
The Ector County Coliseum was packed with fans as MOJO Night brought out the best of the Permian Basin. But it was the Warriors who were able to strike first off a shot from the left half-wall midway through the first period.
In the second the Jackalopes were able to tie the contest after Joey Musa sent a quick pass in the slot to his brother Joey who made a quick move before putting the puck into the back of the net for his first goal in the North American Hockey League.
The tying goal gave momentum and life back to the Jacks. Energy was high and momentum on the side of Odessa, but it was not to last. Less than thirty seconds after netting the tying goal, a turnover by goaltender Connor Hasley behind his won net ended up going in and put the Jacks back down this time 2-1. Several minutes later, the Warriors extended their lead t0 3-1 off a scramble in the slot for a loose puck.
Wichita Falls added on two more goals in the thrid period to finish the night with a 5-1 victory and the weekend sweep.
For the Jackalopes one of the few positives was the play of their penalty kill, which ended the night with a perfect 4/4 and killed nine of ten Wichita Falls power plays on the weekend.
The Jackalopes will reset and look to welcome to Shreveport Mudbugs this coming Thursday before welcoming in the New Mexico Ice Wolves on the following Friday and Saturday.
Photo Credit: Danne´ Braden Photography
