Odessa sneaks out 2-1 win in Indy

by Mike Wallin
Published on October 31, 2003 under Central Hockey League (CHL)

Shutting out the home Indianapolis Ice for two and a half periods, the Odessa Jackalopes needed a goal by John Bossio with just 1:37 remaining in the third period to defeat Indy by a 2-1 score. Bossio, scoring his first goal of the season, snuck the puck past Ice netminder Jeff Sanger to avoid an overtime period.

"I was mostly just trying to get the puck on net and hoping for a big rebound," said Bossio. "The puck hit his pads and I saw it slowly trickle in. Not pretty, but we'll take it."

Scott Hillman converted on the powerplay, 6:31 into the first period, giving Odessa a 1-0 lead. Hillman, Odessa's top-scoring defenseman of all time, notched his second score of the season.The Jackalopes held onto the one goal advantage for 46:40 until Ice defenseman Bernie John scored his second lamplighter of the year. John's goal was assisted by Russ Guzior and Jason Selleke.

With the game all tied up, it appeared that Indianapolis was heading towards their third straight overtime affair on home ice. Odessa did not lose any momentum however, and Bossio sealed the Jackalope victory.

"After such a disheartning loss last night in Memphis, we really needed this win," said Odessa coach Don McKee. "We arrive in town after last night's loss and said that we can sit around and sulk or skate. The guys decided to skate and we hit the ice at 9:00am."

Indianapolis appears to be in need of the same attitude after another lackluster effort. Indy did outshoot Odessa 37-20, however the overall play was less than enthusiastic.

"We were way too flat, " said Ice coach Ken McRae. "Guys played as if the were carrying pianos on their backs. I'll tell you, we need a much better effort than this. Some guys on this team need to really step it up."

Jeff Blair won the battle of the goaltenders, stopping 36 Ice shots. Blair, playing in his 93rd professional game, missed out on his first career shutout by 6:31. Jeff Sanger took the loss as his season record fell to 2-2.

The same two teams will take their game downtown to Conseco Fieldhouse for a 7:05 faceoff on Saturday night.

Central Hockey League Stories from October 31, 2003

• Odessa sneaks out 2-1 win in Indy - OSC Original by Mike Wallin
• Brahmas Fall in Overtime to Thunder - Fort Worth Brahmas
• Ice Adds Size on Blueline with Signing of McIver - Indianapolis Ice
• Cotton Kings Add Another D-Man - Lubbock Cotton Kings
• Tickets Available For Tonight's Game - Laredo Bucks

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