Blaine, MN – The Odessa Jackalopes (2-2-0-0) handed the Janesvile Jets (3-1-0-0) their first loss of the season Friday evening thanks to a 2-1 victory on day 3 of the NAHL Showcase. The matchup took place in Blaine, Minnesota at the Schwan Super Rink.
With both teams riding highs from victories on day 2 of the showcase, both teams played their veteran goaltenders. Odessa’s Brett Epp saved 42 of 43 shots on the night, earning his first victory of the season.
Janesville got off to the better start as they put together a lineup that looked like a skyline. The Jets got on the board first at the 12:46 mark, when a loose puck in the slot was picked up by Brenden MacLaren, ricocheted off of Epp’s glove and in for the lead.
Odessa would fire back with one of their own only 4:17 into the second period as Zach Heintz netted one 6 seconds after the power play expired thanks to a terrific play from Peyton Frantti. As Frantti was knocked down, he flipped a backhand across the crease for Heintz to corral, settle, and toss past Janesville’s Daniel Lebedeff for the tie game.
Two penalties within 45 seconds of one another gave the Jacks a 5-on-3 power play advantage, when Lucas Andersson ripped a shot through the goaltender, just overpowering Lebedeff to go ahead 2-1 only 8 minutes into the period.
A questionable unsportsmanlike conduct penalty called on Odessa with only 10.7 seconds left in the game gave the Jets one last 6-on-4 rush after they pulled their goaltender. The Jacks held on for the victory thanks to a fantastic effort from Epp between the pipes.
Lebedeff had a good game for the Jets in net, saving 40 shots on the night, but ultimately taking the loss.
The Jackalopes close out the 2017 NAHL Showcase on Saturday morning as they take on the Johnstown Tomahawks of the East Division at 10 am. The game will be broadcast on HockeyTV and Classic Rock 102.
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 —
