In the midst of a 6 game losing streak, the Jacks take on the 2nd place Shreveport Mudbugs, looking to break the slide.
Only three and a half minutes into the first period, the Jacks already executed on a power play. Jake Levin took a shot that went behind the net for Chase Thudium who did all the work from there. After getting knocked down on the ice, Thudium got back up, fended off a defender, took the puck into the slot and found the back of the net, beating Mudbugs goaltender John Roberts. The goal for Thudium was his team-leading eighth goal on the season.
Later in the first, the Jacks went on another power play. This time, it was the first year NAHL player, Joe Kinsella, who got on the board. Kinsella received a pass from Connor Wood, one-timing it past Roberts for the two-goal lead.
Into the second, the Jacks were leading but were being outshot. A missed clearing attempt in the defensive ice lead to a Frankie Melton breakaway. Melton swapped between the forehand and backhand a number of times before beating Jackalopes goaltender Jonny Hogue, making it a one-goal game. Melton’s goal was his league-leading 15th on the season.
At the end of the second, after the horn blew, a brawl broke out between the two teams. It lasted for about 5-plus minutes before the officials could finally separate the players and get them into the locker room. The fight resulted in three ejections as Riley Bechard and Thudium were sent off to start the third. Mudbugs had one player ejection as well.
Later on in the third, Rowan Savidant laid out on the ice to block a shot from Croix Evingson. Evingson’s shot hit Savidant in the face, resulting in a stop in play. Savidant was taken to the locker room to be checked on.
While he was out, Jaden Anderson was kneed in the neutral zone, flipped into the air, and landed on his bad knee. The play looked very similar to the play he was injured on in Wichita Falls earlier this year that sidelined him for four weeks.
Both Savidant and Anderson returned and played the final series on penalty kill to help the Jackalopes win the game 2-1.
Jonny Hogue was in net, saving 40 of 41 shots he faced, en route to his 6th win on the season. The Jackalopes are now 8-9-1 on the season, good for 17 total points, creeping their way back into the playoff race.
The Jacks come back out at home on Tuesday, as they take on the Lone Star Brahmas for the fourth time in 2 ½ weeks.
Season tickets can still be bought at the Jackalopes office, or by calling 432-552-PUCK(7825). Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year long and don’t forget to ‘Like’ the official “Odessa Jackalopes” fan page on Facebook.
— ODESSA JACKALOPES —
