Jackalopes Meet Laredo In Clash Of Division Leaders

December 13, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


Team Record: 16-5-2 (Home: 6-4-2, Away: 10-1-0) First Place, Southwest Division - 34 pts.

The Matchup: The top two teams in the CHL's Southern Conference put their respective hot streaks on the line tonight against each other. The Jacks are in the middle of a CHL-best, nine-game winning streak, and have not lost in regulation since November 18th. The Laredo Bucks meanwhile are 10-1-2 since losing to Odessa, 5-2, back on November 6th and have won six of their last seven. Both teams are in first place in their divisions.

The Odessa Jackalopes: The Jackalopes scored five goals in the first two periods Friday night, en route to a 6-2 win over Tulsa. Kory Karlander recorded a four point night with two goals and two assists. Alexandre Vincent allowed two goals or less for the fifth consecutive game, and the Jacks recorded a new season high with 58 shots on goal.

The Laredo Bucks: Laredo saw their six-game win streak come to an end on Thursday night in Corpus Christi, losing 2-1 in a shootout. Ryan Salvis scored the only Laredo goal in the loss. The Bucks are led by Jeff Bess and Darryl Smith, who have combined for 73 points (25 goals, 48 assists) so far this season. The goaltending tandem of Sebastien Centomo and Ryan Gibb has a GAA of 2.45 and a SV% of .925.

Point Men: Four the CHL's top five Overall Point leaders will be on the ice tonight. Laredo's Jeff Bes (40 points) and Darryl Smith (33 points) are first and third in the CHL. While the Jacks' Dominic Leveille (34 points) and Sebastien Thinel (32 points) are second and fourth in the league.

Rookies of the Year?: Tonight's game will feature two early season candidates for the CHL Rookie of the Year award in Odessa's Jeff Pierce and Laredo's Darryl Smith. Smith currently leads all first-year players with 33 points and 17 goals this season. Pierce meanwhile has been a playmaker for the Jackalopes as his 20 assists are best among rookies so far, and his 27 points are second among rookies to Smith. 10 of those assists have been on the power play.

Jackalopes Streaking: After Friday's win over Tulsa, the Jackalopes have won nine consecutive games. In their nine-game win streak Odessa has outscored their opponents 38-15. The Jacks have also won six straight home games and their last seven road games.

Broadcast Information Saturday, December 13th vs. Laredo - 97 Gold (96.9 FM) and the CHL Network

Upcoming Promotions (Next 3 Games): Saturday, December 13th vs. Laredo - Winder Wonderland Jerseys and post-game auction Sunday, December 14th vs. Corpus Christi - Family Day Saturday, December 20th vs. Rio Grande Valley - Jackalopes Christmas Extravaganza

Upcoming Community Appearances: December 12th-14th - Jackalopes Toys for Tots weekend. The Jacks will be collecting toys for the Salvation Army during their three weekend games.

December 16th - The Jackalopes launch their first ever "Holiday Tour" by visiting seven different locations to pass out candy canes, ticket vouchers, and Jackalopes items around the community.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 13, 2008


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