ODESSA, TX — In an unfortunate reversal, the Odessa Jackalopes (3-1-0-0) suffered their first loss of the season to the visiting Amarillo Bulls (1-2-0-1) by a score of 6-2 at the Ector County Coliseum on Saturday night.
The Jackalopes were behind almost for the start of the game as the Bulls jumped out to an early 2-0 lead. Odessa got on the board late in the first period thanks to a quick goal by Fletcher Anderson off of a turnover in the high slot.
Anderson’s goal ignited the Jackalopes and primed them for a comeback in the second period. But instead of a comeback, the Jackalopes saw their deficit grow as Amarillo scored twice more (including once on the power play) to make the score 4-1.
Going into the third period the Bulls jumped out to a 5-1 lead early in the third period before Liam O’Hare scored his first ever North American Hockey League goal on a breakaway after forcing a turnover in the Jackalopes goal. The Jacks did not have much time to celebrate however as Amarillo answered back in the final minutes to finish the night with a 6-2 victory and their first win of the season.
While unsatisfied with the loss and the weekend split, the Jackalopes can take confidence in the fact that their 3-1 start to the season is the best in their ten seasons in the NAHL. Odessa also remains tied for first place in the South Division. The Jackalopes now look forward to another home series, against the Shreveport Mudbugs, starting next Friday at the Ector County Coliseum on November 13.
