NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Overtime Thriller Falls Short

Published on November 26, 2016 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


The Odessa Jackalopes looked to repeat what happened the last time they lost to the Wichita Falls Wildcats in early October. Following a 4-2 loss, the Jacks came back to win the next game 7-2 in a rout.

The Jacks came out in the first period with a new gameplan, hit the Wildcats, and they executed. Odessa out-hit and outshot the Wildcats in the first period. Unfortunately, the Wildcats style of play forced Jackalopes goaltender, Jon Flakne to make some big saves out of the net, and allowed one to get by. A toss into the zone saw a speeding C.J. Walker get to the puck first and beat a sprawling Flakne on the deke for the backhanded goal.

The Jacks aren't a team to give up. They're a team based on trust, personality, and character, and they showed them all. With Wildcat's goaltender Jared Dempsey giving out rebounds, Krumpschmid took a shot from the right-wing circle, allowing a crashing Trevor Zenas to pick up the rebound and put the puck past a diving Dempsey for his third goal on the season with 1:04 remaining in the first period.

Jackalopes took an early slashing call, allowing to Wichita Falls to get on the power play. The Jacks were killing it off nicely before a save from Flakne rebounded and hit off of Nick Rosa in front of the net accidently finding it's way into the back of the net for the one goal lead.

Just over halfway through the second period, the line of Connor Wood, Chris Donaldson, and Zach Heintz put on another play for the highlight reel. Heintz received the pass and tossed it ahead to Donaldson at center ice who took it all the way towards the net before spinning, flinging one to Wood across the crease, who touched it back to Heintz for the easy goal to tie the game at two a piece at the end of the second period.

In the third period, Tyler Pietrowski worked to keep the puck in the offensive end and it paid off. Knocking down a clearing attempt at the blue line, Pietrowski found a streaking Noah Poindexter for the redirection past the Wichita Falls goaltender. It didn't last as Jonathan Bendorf saw an open net after Flakne had a collision at the top of the crease, leading to a game-tying goal for the Wildcats. A questionable penalty call with just over a minute remaining in the 3rd period led to a Wildcats power play to finish regulation.

Heading into overtime, the Jacks were still a man down and the Wildcats took advantage quickly. Quick passing from the forwards found Seamus Donohue on the far post who took the shot and had it squirt between the legs of a sliding Flakne in net for the overtime victory.

Jon Flakne played great tonight, saving 36 of 40 shots he saw as he helped the Jackalopes earn one point on the weekend. Jared Dempsey gave up 3 goals on 34 of Odessa's shots en route to a 4-point weekend for Wichita Falls.

Jackalopes have a short week as they come home to play the Lone Star Brahmas this upcoming Thursday and Friday.

Tickets can still be bought at the Jackalopes office, or by calling 432-552-PUCK(7825). Be sure to follow the Jackalopes on Twitter @LetsGoJacks all year 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 November 26, 2016


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