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NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Jacks Snap Skid At 11, Top Tornado 3-2

December 15, 2012 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


ODESSA, TX - In the final game of a two-game weekend series in Frisco, the Odessa Jackalopes snapped an eleven game losing streak Saturday afternoon with a 3-2 victory over the defending Robertson Cup champion Texas Tornado at Dr. Pepper Arena. With the win, the Jacks' first since November 9th, Odessa improved to 5-21-2 overall this season and with 12 points, remain alone in sixth place in the NAHL's South Division standings.

After a scoreless first period, the Jackalopes got out to a quick start in the middle frame, as Taylor Portner tapped home his third goal of the season just 15 seconds into the period on a feed from Lawrence Cornellier. Then, in the final minute of the period, Josh Racek knifed his fourth goal of the season past Texas goaltender Jerry Kaukinen with Cornellier and Austin Ho assisting, doubling the Odessa lead.

The Jackalopes' advantage ballooned to three goals early in the third, when Jimmy Peplinski wired his first goal of the season past Kaukinen, thanks to a nifty transition setup from Mike Mezzano and John Feemster. Texas made it interesting down the streatch, as back-to-back goals in quick succession from Louie Rowe and Brandon Hawkins at 5:22 and 6:13 pulled the Tornado within a goal, but Odessa goaltender Nick Deery slammed the door shut in the closing minutes as the Lacrosse, Wisconsin native posted an impressive 34 save performance in his debut appearance for the Jackalopes.

Saturday's victory helped the Jacks avoid tying Odessa's all-time franchise winless streak, a 12 game skid posted in the inaugural 1997-98 Jackalopes season in the Western Professional Hockey League.

Next up for the Jacks, it's a two game homestand as Odessa squares off with the Corpus Christi IceRays for the first time this season with the opening faceoff set for 7:05 pm on Friday at Ector County Coliseum.

In 2012-13, the Odessa Jackalopes drop the puck on their second season as a member of the North American Hockey League. Season ticket packages for the Jacks' sophomore campaign are available now starting at just $179. To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes' ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.

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North American Hockey League Stories from December 15, 2012


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