Jacks Facts
December 9, 2008 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
The Matchup: It's the third meeting overall and the second time this season that Mike Gorman will return to his old stomping grounds. The Jacks and Gorillas have split a pair of games this season with the road team winning each game. The Jacks currently hold an 18 point advantage over fourth place Amarillo in the Southwest Division. The Gorillas currently sport the CHL's worst record at 6-13-0.
The Odessa Jackalopes: The Jackalopes came out on the right end of a pair of close games over the weekend after beating Tulsa, 3-1, and Corpus Christi, 2-1. The Jacks are currently in the middle of a seven-game winning streak, their longest of the season. In Saturday's third period Collin Circelli slipped the game winner past Kris Tebbs, and Odessa held off a late rush after the IceRays pulled their goalie for the extra attacker.
The Amarillo Gorillas: The Gorillas have gone 2-6-0 since defeating Odessa, 6-2, in their previous meeting. The Gorillas split two games at New Mexico over this weekend, winning 6-3 on Saturday. The Gorillas scored five of seven first period goals, and Joe Guenther recorded a hat trick in the win. Mike Gorman left the game early in the second period with an in jury.
Jackalopes Streaking: After Saturday's win over Corpus Christi, the Jackalopes have won seven consecutive games. In their seven-game win streak Odessa has outscored their opponents 27-11. The Jacks have also won four straight home games and their last seven road games.
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.
Rookies Providing Punch: Jeff Pierce (25 points, tied for 2nd) and Mike Lesperance (16 points, tied for 6th) 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 fourth among first-year players with eight goals. Defenseman Garrett Gruenke is tied for fourth among rookies with 41 penalty minutes, including five fighting majors.
Milestone Alert: Dominic Leveille currently has 191 points in his Jackalopes career.
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