ODESSA, TX – Like last Saturday in Amarillo night the Jackalopes had a strong start and had several power play chances early in the game. And just like Saturday night in Amarillo, the in-ability to score early and set a tone came back to haunt Odessa. The Jackalopes (9-28-2-3) fell to the Wichita Falls Warriors (22-12-1-4) 5-0 on Friday night at the Ector County Coliseum.
After some good chances came up empty for the Jackalopes the Warriors unleashed a blitzkrieg of goals in the first period. This included a short-angle goal that found thier way in past netminder Connor Hasley from a shot at the base of the right circle and two goals off the stick of Drew Vieten less than 30 seconds apart. Despite being out-shot 12-7 in the first period, the Warriors took a 3-0 lead into the locker room.
Odessa’s best chance to get on the scoreboard came in the second period. Joey Musa received a pass in the low slot,as he skated diagonally across the top of the crease. Getting the pass on his stick, Musa sent a back-handed shot, elevated, tward the top shelf. But Warrior netminder Owen Bartoszkievicz made an acrobatic save with his glove while sliding on his backside to keep Musa and the Jacks off the board.
With no goals scored in the second, the Jacks were left with the third to try and attempt a comeback. But a two goal period for Wichita Falls, which included Vieten’s third goal for the hat trick in the waning minutes, put paid to any Jackalope comeback attempt.
The loss is frustrating for an Odessa team that had been seeing positive signs as they moved tward the conclusion of the season. Despite that though, the Jackalopes’ penalty kill continued it’s string of strong showings, successfully killing off the only power play Wichita Falls had on Friday night. Odessa has now successfully killed 19 of their last 21 penalties.
The Jacks will look for the weekend split on Saturday night at the Ector County Coliseum, puck-drop is set for 7:15 pm.
Photo Credit: Danne´ Braden Photography
