JACKS FALL IN SHOWCASE FINALE
Blizzard tops Jacks 4-1
BLAINE, MN– Despite a furious third period rally, the Odessa Jackalopes dropped their fourth and final game of the NAHL Showcase on Saturday, a 4-1 loss to the Alexandria Blizzard. With the loss, the Jacks fell to 0-3-1 on the season.
Special teams played a crucial role in the game as a power play goal from Alexandria's Connor Johnston gave the Blizzard a 1-0 lead just under three minutes into the game. The Jacks' penalty kill was once again a strength as Odessa held Alexandria to 1/8 on the power play.
Later in the first period and into the second frame, Blizzard forward Thomas Williams took over, scoring three unanswered, shorthanded goals to stake Alexandria to 4-0 lead.
After being outshot 32-10 through the first two periods, the Jackalopes' offense came to life in the third as Odessa rallied to pepper Alexandria netminder Jameson Shortreed with 15 shots on goal in the final stanza, breaking through at 12:51 of the third on the power play as Ryan Atkinson scored his first goal of the season to make it 4-1.
With the season-opening Showcase Tournament completed, the Jacks will face the South Division rival Corpus Christi IceRays in their next three games, opening their home slate at the Ector County Coliseum against the 'Rays September 30th and October 1st, following a road game at Corpus on Friday, September 23rd.
The Odessa Jackalopes celebrate their 15th Anniversary in 2011-12 and drop the puck on their inaugural campaign as a member of the North American Hockey League. Season tickets, mini-plans, and single game tickets are available by calling (432) 552-7825 or visiting jackalopes.org.
Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all season long, and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
