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NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Kuroiwa Makes 36 Saves in Jacks 3-1 Win over 'Rays

October 31, 2013 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - The Odessa Jackalopes, members of the North American Hockey League, finished up a two-game set in Corpus Christi on Wednesday night from the American Bank Center. Yoshi Kuroiwa was given his fifth straight start in the Jacks goal (1-4-0) He was opposed by Forbes Ploszaj (plo-ZHAY) of Corpus Christi looking for his third win of the season. The Jacks looked to be more physical after Head Coach Matt Cressman thought the Jacks were "soft at times" in the 5-3 loss on Tuesday.

"We made a couple poor decisions and it ended up in the back of our net," said Cressman in a pre-game interview. "Our wingers were leaving the zone early and cheating and there is no reason for it, especially with a 3-2 lead in the third period,"

The Jacks scored first on this night when Joey Palumbo notched his fourth goal of the season at 12:29. Off a faceoff in the Jacks zone, Palumbo poked the puck past IceRays defenseman Jason Lem and came down on Ploszaj two-on-one. Palumbo elected to shoot and beat the goaltender on the glove side. The IceRays and Jacks both had 12 shots on goal but it was the Jacks that owned a 1-0 after one period.

In the second, the IceRays swung momentum back in their direction with a goal by Wes Michaud at 5:35. Michaud took the puck down the right wing and cut towards the middle of the ice. He fired a wrist shot past the blocker side of Kuroiwa to tie the game at one. Kuroiwa made some key saves the rest of the way in the second period to keep the score tied 1-1 going into the third.

In the third, the two teams continued the physical battle but the Jackalopes began to wear down the IceRays. At 6:44, Alex Alger scored his second goal of the year to give the Jacks the lead that they would not surrender. Leo Lumm added an empty net goal at 19:59 for his second goal of the season. The Jacks would pick up their fourth victory of the season and moved to within one point of Lone Star for sixth place in the South Division.

The Jacks return to Odessa this Friday and Saturday to host the Corpus Christi IceRays. Tickets are on sale now at the Ector County Coliseum box office now by calling (432) 552-7825 or by going to http://www.jackalopes.org Saturday night is "Water Bottle Giveaway Night" sponsored by Salsbury Industries, The first 1,000 fans in attendance receive a free Jackalopes water bottle.

In 2013-14, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their third season in the North American Hockey League and 17th in the Permian Basin. Single game tickets are on sale now! 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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