ODESSA, TX — It was a slow start, it was three unanswered goals, and it was an inability to capitalize on chances later on. That was the story of Friday night’s contest as the Odessa Jackalopes (7-14-2-1) fell 4-0 to the Wichita Falls Warriors (10-8-1-3) at the Ector County Coliseum.
Right from the opening puck drop, the Warriors looked a step faster then Odessa. This was evidenced by the three-unanswered goals scored in the first 13 minutes of the first period. The Jackalopes were out-shot in the first period 15-7.
But the Jackalopes rallied back and had several quality chances in the second period. Including a two-one-one opportunity that just saw a centering pass just hop over a Jackalope stick.
In the third period, Odessa came out strong, determined to attempt a miraculous third period comeback like the one they put together against the Warriors in October. The Jackalopes saw several quality chances, including a goalmouth scramble, come their way in the opening minutes of the regulation period. Had the Jacks scored, they would’ve put the Warriors on the back foot, and might have started another miraculous comeback. But wither it be timely saves, missed shots or the unfortunate presence of the goal post, Odessa failed to find the back of the net.
It was the Warriors however who added an empty-net goal in the third to finish off the contest with a 4-0 win. Jackalopes netminder Cooper Black made 26 saves on 29 shots faced. Also on the positive side, the Jackalopes penalty kill held Wichita Fall’s sixth ranked power play to just one goal on six attempts.
The Jacks can take heart that, baring the slow start, they played a sold game and went toe-to-toe with the Warriors and were a bounce or two away from a completely different game. Odessa will look to bounce back and force a weekend split on Saturday night against the Warriors at 7:15. The Jacks will be auctioning off their specialty MOJO jerseys at the conclusion of the game.
Photo Credit: Danne´ Braden Photography
