Blaine, MN – The Odessa Jackalopes (0-2-0-0) gave up two third-period goals en route to a loss against the Brookings Blizzard (1-0-0-0). The Jacks had all the momentum through the first 41 minutes, until the Blizzard took their shot at redemption.
James Crossman netted the only Jacks goal on a power play in the first. Brett Epp was in net for the second straight game, saving 17 of 19 shots on the night.
A predominantly scoreless first was broken open by a Jackalopes power play goal 15:15 into the first period. James Crossman received the puck at the blue line, skated between the circles and fired a missile to the back of the net for the 1-0 lead.
A scoreless second almost gave the Jacks another goal as Merrell’s shot touched the padding at the back of the net, but officials saw it hit the post and bounce out, waving off the near-goal.
Brookings got on the board 1:01 in the 3rd as Epp made the initial save, but the back door was wide open for the rebound by Derek Hammer to tie the game at 1. The Blizzard would go another 17:07 without a goal before a defensive mishap by Odessa gave Brookings another breakaway.
At the 18:08 mark in the 3rd period, a clearing attempt was gloved down and passed up for a one-on-one with Doug Larson and Epp. Larson buried one top shelf for the goal and eventual victory.
The Blizzard’s Jeremy Forman saved 24 of the Jacks’ 25 shots en route to his first NAHL victory.
Odessa will be back at it Thursday night as they take on the Kenai River Brown Bears at 7:15 pm for day 2 of the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota.
The 2017-2018 Odessa Jackalopes single game tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
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— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
