The Odessa Jackalopes looked for their first back-to-back victories since October 21st and 22nd in Corpus Christi. Facing the Brahmas for the second straight night, the Jacks won their first of the season series last night, 6-3 thanks to a 50-save night from goaltender Jon Flakne. This is the last time the Brahmas will be playing at the Ector County Coliseum during the 2016-17 regular season.
Flakne was back in net tonight, as two Brahmas power plays in the first period was one too many. The second power play opportunity worked in the Jacks favor as Wilson rimmed the puck hard, hoping for Zach Zech to get there. Zech raced through a hold, pushed down a second defender, and got the puck onto his backhand to beat Brahmas goaltender Eric Gordon through the five-hole for the early 1-0 lead.
Unfortunately, the power play was still on for Lone Star, and Pete Kessel shot a puck through heavy traffic, blinding Flakne, and finding the back of the net to tie the game up. Scuffles would break out periodically, with nothing more developing.
After a scoreless 2nd period, it was the Brahmas who struck gold 2:46 into the third period. Jakub Melisko skated the puck in and beat the miscommunication of the Jacks defense to beat Flakne on the far post for the go-ahead goal.
The Jacks looked to score a goal to tie it up, but a missed, too many men on the ice penalty, detered any chance of a Jackalopes goal, a the Brahmas blocked shots and held possession through the final two minutes as time expired.
Jon Flakned saved 30 of 32 shots on the night, for a total of 80 saved on the weekend as he went 1-1 against the Brahmas. Eric Gordon saved 28 of Odessa’s 29 shots.
The Jackalopes stay home next weekend as they face the Wichita Falls Wildcats for a three-game series, December 8-10. It will be Superhero weekend, as the Jacks will wear Superman-designed jerseys to raise money and awareness of Raxton Jones, a two-year old with mylotubular myopathy (MTM): a rare and fatal muscle disease.
As well, all local heroes, including fire fighters, nurses, teachers, police and doctors will receive free admission to the games all weekend long with the proper ID.
This weekend could not be possible if it weren’t for the Jackalopes sponsors: Neighbors Hospital, EOG Resources, and CBS 7.
You can make a donation to the Joshua Frase Foundation at anytime by going to http://www.joshuafrase.org.
Tickets can still be bought at the Jackalopes office, or by calling 432-552-PUCK(7825). Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year long and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
