ODESSA, TX — The Jackalopes fell in their home opener to the Corpus Christi IceRays by a score of 3-1 at the Ector County Coliseum on Friday night.
The IceRays got out to an early 1-0 lead in the first period after the puck got put up to the low slot before it was pounced on by Ryan Coughlin, and put into the back of the net.
The IceRays further extended their lead to 2-0 early in the second period. Four minutes later Michael Sacco was able to put the Jacks on the board with his first goal of the season.
Vilho Saariluoma carried the puck into the zone on the left side of the ice. As he cut to the top of the slot he fed a pass over to Sacco who unleashed a hard slap-shot that found it’s way into the back of the net.
However, in the third period the IceRays re-extended their lead to 3-1. The Jackalopes had several changes to come back, including some on the power play (Odessa hit 3 posts and a crossbar on the evening) but they were unable to grab another goal despite 25 shots on net throughout the game.
With the loss the Jackalopes fall to 3-1-1-0 on the year but they will have a chance to reset as they play Corpus Christi again on Saturday, October 5. It will be the second of six straight games between the Jackalopes and the IceRays in October.
Face-off for Saturday night’s game will be at 7:15 pm.
