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NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Penalty Trouble Dooms Jacks in 4-3 Defeat to Amarillo

December 5, 2014 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


ODESSA, TX - On Friday night, the Jacks came into action tied with the Amarillo Bulls for seventh place in the NAHL's South division. With the final playoff spot only six points away, the Jacks had an opportunity to make some headway against their arch-rival Amarillo Bulls. Tonight marked the debut of Corey Hoffman (Cornell), who was sidelined through the first 27 games with a leg injury. Robin Johansson got the call in goal for the Jacks trying to build off a nice, bounce back effort in a 5-4 loss to Wichita Falls last Saturday night.

The Jackalopes struck first on a power play at 6:58 on a one-time from the blueline by Razmuz Waxin-Engback. The Jacks won the draw and Kenny Hausinger slid the puck over to Waxin-Engback, who drove the puck past Anton Martinsson on his glove side. The Jacks went up two goals at 12:34 on Max Rasberg's first goal of the season. Drew McLean drove a shot from the right circle and Rasberg picked up the rebound, dangled around the goaltender, and tucked the puck in on the short side. After one period, the Jackalopes had a 2-0 lead, but were down two men heading into the second.

The Bulls took advantage of the back end of a five-on-three when Luke Novak found a rebound sitting in the crease area. With Johansson diving out to try to cover, Novak filled the gaping net to cut the Jacks lead to one. Late in the period, in the midst of killing off a second five-on-three disadvantage, Luke Novak tied the game off a rebound that came to him on the side of the net. The score was tied at 2-2 heading into the third.

The Bulls took their first lead of the hockey game at 1:49 of the third period on a point shot by newcomer Joe Leonidas that beat Johansson on the glove side. The Bulls scored their fourth straight goal at 3:52 on a Jacks defensive breakdown that let Will Harrison in free behind the Jacks defense. He beat Johansson with a shot up high to put the Bulls up 4-2. During one of the eight Jacks penalty kills on the eight, Hampus Sjodahl blocked a shot and sent Leo Lumm in alone on a breakaway. Lumm scored his fouth goal of the season, putting the puck between the leg pads of Anton Martinsson to give the Jacks life at 11:26. The Jacks mounted a late effort to try to tie the game when they went on a power play. Head Coach Greg Gatto pulled the goaltender to get a six-on-four advantage, but the Jacks could not get the equalizer. The Bulls came away with a 4-3 decision at the Ector County Coliseum in front of 1,537 fans.

The same two teams go at it Saturday night at the JackShack. Tickets start as low as $8 dollars and can be purchased at the Ector County Coliseum box office, charge by phone at (432) 552-7825, or online at http://www.jackalopes.org If you cannot make it to the game, Joey Battaino has the live coverage beginning at 6:50 CST on Classic Rock 102.1 FM KFZX or on PPV FASTHockey.com

In 2014-15, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their fourth season in the North American Hockey League and 18th in the Permian Basin. Season 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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