Corpus Christi, TX – Ricky Carballo’s late game heroics elevated the Odessa Jackalopes (27-16-3-2) past the Corpus Christi IceRays (22-20-3-5) on Saturday night at the American Bank Center. The Jackalopes increased their lead over the IceRays to seven points for the third spot in the south.
After a scoreless first period, it was the IceRays who got on the board first for the second straight night. Rylee St. Onge was able to bury one past the high glove side of Odessa’s Brett Epp for the 1-0 lead.
The Jacks would get one back as Jared Christy’s shot was saved by Corpus Christi’s Chad Veltri, but the rebound was buried by James Crossman, as he tied the game at one only two minutes later.
Not long after, Blake Bride pushed one past Veltri for the 2-1 lead, but a couple seconds after, the referee blew it whistle, waving off the goal and keeping us tied at one.
Bride would not be denied on Saturday as he tallies his 16th of the season. Ricky Carballo broke across the blue line slowly, but a drop pass to Blake Bride opened up plenty of room on his off hand before he went bar down for the 2-1 lead.
Two penalty called on Odessa only 15 seconds apart resulted in a 5-on-3 power play goal for St. Onge’s second of the night to finish the middle frame.
The teams would trade chances in the third, but it was Carballo and the Jackalopes who broke through yet again late in the third. Peyton Frantti’s patience paid off as he threaded the needle on a backdoor pass to Carballo, who redirected it past Veltri for the game-winning goal. Matt Brown would add one to ice the game with only 13 seconds remaining.
Brett Epp stood on his head, making 36 saves in the victory, while Chad Veltri did much of the same, but took the loss.
The Jackalopes return to action next Friday and Saturday as they take on the Lone Star Brahmas in a battle for second in the south, followed up by the Amarillo Bulls on Sunday. The Magic number is down to 6 points for Odessa, with a chance to clinch the playoffs next weekend, so don’t miss your chance to miss out on a milestone.
The 2017-2018 Odessa Jackalopes 8-game ticket package is on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes’ ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or hop on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.
Also, be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter and Facebook (@LetsGoJacks), Instagram (odessajackalopes), and add us on Snapchat (odessajacks) all year long.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
