NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Jacks Top Coulee Region 2-1 in Preseason Opener

Published on September 8, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


WINONA, MN - In the first of two preseason tuneups for the 2012 N AHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota, the Odessa Jackalopes defeated the Coulee Region Chill 2-1 on Saturday in a regulation-length exhibition clash at St. Mary's University Ice Arena in Winona, Minnesota.

In a tight-checking first period, the Jacks took a 1-0 at 3:22 when former Fresno Monsters forward Dominic Valencia squeezed home his first Odessa goal. Leading 1-0 at the first intermission, California native Zac Sikich doubled the Jacks' lead at 13:15 of the second when he wired an off-hand wrister top shelf for a power-play marker, assisted by Curt Rau and Tyler Minx, and a 2-0 Odessa lead.

Former Jackalopes forward Matt Williams briefly drew the Chill within a goal late in the middle frame when he tipped a Coulee Region point shot past Odessa goaltender Jacob Theut, but it wasn't enough, as a hard-hitting third period saw the Jacks hang on for a gritty 2-1 win. Theut and fellow Jackalopes netminder Blake Wojtala combined for 16 saves in the win.

Odessa forward Johan Sjoden left the game midway through the second period with a wrist injury and did not return.

Next up for the Jackalopes, it's a Monday afternoon showdown at SMU Ice Arena with South Division rivals, the Corpus Christi IceRays, in the final preseason exhibition game of 2012, followed by the start of the 2012-13 NAHL regular season on Wednesday, September 12th at the NAHL Showcase at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine.

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.

Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all season long and don't forget to 'Like' the official "Odessa Jackalopes" fan page on Facebook.

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North American Hockey League Stories from September 8, 2012


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