Jackalopes Slide Past Buzzards
November 30, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
El Paso Buzzards News Release
EL PASO, Texas â El Paso Buzzards' head coach Craig Coxe said Saturday's game against the Odessa Jackalopes was a must win game for his club. Unfortunately, Odessa's Travis Kennedy felt like haunting the Buzzards yet again.
Kennedy scored two goals and forwards Sebastien Thinel and Mike Rutter collected two assists apiece as the Odessa Jackalopes defeated the Buzzards 3-1 Saturday. The Buzzards scored their lone goal on the power play by right winger Derek Reynolds. It is the fourth consecutive game Reynolds has scored a goal or an assist. Buzzards' defenseman Rhett Dudley and right winger Darrell Upton assisted on the Buzzards' goal. The El Paso Buzzards' newcomers, defenseman Mathieu Paul and forward Joey Grasso each played well, forcing turnovers in the Odessa end and playing solid defense on the penalty kill. The loss drops the Buzzards to 5-13-1 overall, and 4-8-0 at home. Odessa improves to 13-4-3 overall and 7-2-2 on the road.
Odessa's John Bossio opened the scoring at 10:55 in the first period with a rebound shot that beat Buzzards' goalie Matt Carmichael in the slot. Carmichael made 21 saves on 25 shots. Jackalopes goalie Matt Carney, making his fifth appearance of the year, turned away 20 shots for the victory.
The Buzzards, playing without left-wingers Russ Guzior and Troy Linna, who are on the injured reserve with shoulder injuries, did not come out with the same fire offensively like Friday's game against San Angelo. The Buzzards were out shot 25 to 21, and 1 for 5 on the power play.
Wearing their black road jerseys in the previous contest at the Nest, the Buzzards lost 2-1 on an Odessa goal with 18 seconds remaining in the third period. Buzzards' center Joe Gray scored a second period goal and goaltender Matt Carmichael played an outstanding game by stopping 27 shots.
The Buzzards' next game will be on the road Friday in Odessa at 7 p.m. The Jackalopes are in first place in the Southwest Division. The Buzzards remain in fourth place, 10 points back of New Mexico for third place.
Central Hockey League Stories from November 30, 2002
- Silver turning to gold in Indy - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
- Jackalopes Slide Past Buzzards - El Paso Buzzards
- Gorillas Post Second Straight Shutout - Amarillo Gorillas
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