Jacks Facts
December 6, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
The Matchup: It's the second of nine meetings this season between the Rays and Jacks. Odessa won the first meeting, 4-0, in Corpus back on November 26th. Juha Toivonen stopped 19 shots in the Jacks only shutout of the season. Corpus has been an up and down team since that meeting, going 2-2. The Rays however continue to be an offensive threat, scoring five goals in three of those four games.
The Odessa Jackalopes: The Jackalopes held on Friday night to top Tulsa, 3-1. It was the Jacks sixth straight win, extending their longest win streak of the season. Alexandre Vincent stopped 23 of 24 shots in his first start since November 18th. Russ Moyer gave the Jacks an early 1-0 lead that held up until 7:33 into the third when Brett McConnachie tied it for Tulsa. Jacks rookie Jeff Pierce then added the game winning goal just :32 later, and Jean Bourbeau added an insurance tally to preserve the win.
The Corpus Christi IceRays: The IceRays suffered an overtime loss, 5-4, to the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees on Friday. Corpus built up a 4-1 lead over the Bees but could not hold on as Rio Grande used 42 shots on goal to complete the comeback. Chris Richards (24 points), Justin Quenneville (23 points) and Ryan Bennett (23 points) lead the offensive charge for Corpus Christi. All three players also have double digit goals this season as well.
Jackalopes Roster Moves: Mario Joly was placed on the 30-day IR retroactive to November 29th, and Robby Spalding signed with the Jacks on December 2nd to fill his vacancy. Goalie Juha Toivonen has been placed on the 14-day Goaltending IR list after leaving Tuesday's game vs. Arizona with an injury. Dan McWhinney has been signed by the team to backup Alexandre Vincent.
Jackalopes Streaking: After Friday's win over Tulsa, the Jackalopes have won six consecutive games. In their six-game win streak Odessa has outscored their opponents 25-10. The Jacks have also won three straight home games and their last seven road games.
Rookies Providing Punch: Jeff Pierce (25 points) and Mike Lesperance (15 points) are both in the top ten in Overall Points among CHL Rookies. Pierce also leads rookies with 19 assists on the season, and Mike Lesperance is tied for third among first-year players with eight goals. Defenseman Garrett Gruenke is in the top ten among rookies with 34 penalty minutes, including four fighting majors.
Milestone Alert: Dominic Leveille has 190 points in his Jackalopes career currently.
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- IceRays fall to Jackalopes 2-1 - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Jacks Win Another Close One, 2-1 - Odessa Jackalopes
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