ODESSA, TX — The Jackalopes fell to the Corpus Christi IceRays 7-5 on Saturday night.
The Rays struck first in the first period, taking a 1-0 lead after the conclusion of a IceRays power play. They were answered though with Vaclav Zidek’s power play tally with less then a minute to play in the first period.
Zidek’s goal sparked a torrent of teddy bears and stuffed animals that descended on to the ice. In total over 1,725 bears were collected, a new Jackalopes franchise record.
The Jacks proceed to take a 2-1 lead off a Jared Christy goal that he scored from a short angle in the early stages for the second. But four straight Corpus Christi goals erased that lead and built a commanding 5-2 lead for the IceRays.
The Jackalopes fought valiantly in the third period, multiple times pulling within two goals.
Matt Hutton scored as he lead a rush in from the blue line, and James Crossman scored after a shot from the short-side produced a rebound that he the preceded to score on.
But the Rays kept the Jackalopes at bay with two goals of their own to ensure that the Jackalopes did not threaten their lead.
Odessa though got the last laugh with Connor Smith’s goal. Smith took the puck to the high-slot and sent a hard wrister that struck the cross-bar and deflected into the back of the net.
The loss marks the first time the Jackalopes have been swept at home this season and in addition their loss has now extended to five games which is a new season long.
The Jackalopes though will have a chance to break the streak next weekend at home against the Shreveport Mudbugs.
