NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — It was a slow start that doomed the Jackalopes (7-12-2-0) on the road as they fell in North Richland Hills to the Lone Star Brahmas (18-6-1-0) by a score of 4-2 on Saturday night.
The Brahmas scored three unanswered goals in the first period, the first one coming on the Brahmas’ first shot on net, the third coming just twelve seconds into a Lone Star power play. Odessa did not look strong nor up to the intensity of the first place team in the South Division and it showed as the Jackalopes found themselves behind the eight ball early in the game.
But the Jacks showed signs of resiliency as they came back in the second period. Alex Konovalov scored in the first two minutes of the second period to trim the lead to 3-1. Unfortunately, the Brahmas answered with another goal less than 90 seconds later to sap any momentum the Jacks may have been building. But Odessa didn’t quit, they kept fighting and were eventually rewarded with another goal in the late stages of the second period.
Konovalov again was involved as he led a three-on-one rush up the ice and fed a perfect pass to the tape of D.J. Hart. Hart was able to send a quick shot that sneaked just inside the left post to pull Odessa within two. That Jackalopes had two more quality chances in the second period, including Ben Doherty’s breakaway, but were unable to find the back of the net for a third time.
The Brahmas defense was stifling in the final period and the Jackalopes’ woes on the power play continued (Odessa finished 0/5 on the man advantage on Saturday). Jackalopes netminder Connor Hasley made 23 saves on 27 Lone Star shots on net. The Jackalopes mustered just 21 shots on goal.
The Jackalopes will prepare to try and right the ship against the Amarillo Bulls next weekend as they travel for their third straight (and final) road weekend in January.
Photo Credit: Danne´ Braden Photography
