NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — The Jackalopes saved their best game for last and gave Lone Star all they could handle on Sunday afternoon. Though the Jackalopes (8-34-1-1) fell 5-2 to the Lone Star Brahmas (36-8-0-1) the Jackalopes showed great resiliency and played their best game against Lone Star to date.
The first period started well for the Jackalopes, they gave as good as they got and the period progressed rather evenly. The Jacks took advantage of Lone Star’s miscues to get several quality chances on net. When the Brahmas surged, the Jackalopes answered with a surge of their own. It was arguably their best period of the weekend. Lone Star found the net however on a rebound in front and despite their effort, the Jacks found themselves down 1-0 as they entered the first intermission.
In the second, the Jackalopes had a strong start to the period, but could not answer the Brahma’s two goals to go up 3-0. However, the Jackalopes continued to persevere and stayed the course going into the third period.
Odessa was rewarded for their efforts with their first goal in the third period all weekend. Gramm McCormack was able to put in a rebound off a point shot from the blue line to notch his second goal of the season. McCormack’s goal not only denied the Brahmas the chance at another shutout, it also gave the Jackalopes life down just 3-1 early in the third period.
A few minutes later the first power play of the game was given out to Lone Star and they capitalized on a one-timer to extend their lead to 4-1. Still, the Jackalopes did not give up and clawed their way back within two.
Kam Ottenbreit streaked down the right-wing side and, as he reached the base of the right circle, sent a hard shot in and over the shoulder of Brahma goaltender Cayden Bailey. Ottenbreit’s highlight reel goal gave the Jackalopes a huge surge of energy as they fought to try to tie the game in the third period.
Despite several good chances, and a seemingly rattled Bailey, the Jackalopes failed to find the back of the net. Lone Star was able to pick up and empty net goal to end the game 5-2.
Despite the loss, this game offered the Jackalopes many positives to build off of. Their resiliency was of particular note, as was their puck possession, especially in the first period. The Jacks gave Lone Star a very tough game, and if they continue to play at the level they produced on Sunday, they will find success against their future opponents.
-Photo Credit: David Dudich
