Pierce's Hat Trick Highlights 9-4 Win
October 23, 2009 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
(Amarillo, TX) - Jeff Pierce's hat trick powered the Jackalopes offense as Odessa defeated the Amarillo Gorillas on Friday night at the Amarillo Civic Center. 9-4 was the final score.
The Jackalopes opened up the game's scoring on a goal by Jeff Pierce at 4:33. Sebastien Thinel and Phil Plante had the assists as Odessa took a 1-0 lead. The Jacks made it a two-goal cushion when Paul Kelly deflected JR Bria's shot from the point past Amarillo goaltender, Mike Brown. Kenny Bernard also had a helper on the goal at 10:49. The Gorillas cut the deficit in half when Jake Morissette slipped a rebound past Juha Toivonen for a power play goal. Stuart MacRae and Gordon Bell had the assists. It was the first power play goal given up by the Jackalopes this season.
After the first period Odessa held a 2-1 advantage and outshot Amarillo 17-8.
Odessa's offense kicked into another gear with four goals in the second period. Piece netted a power play marker just :15 into the period to make it a 3-1 lead. Alex Dunn then continued the assault with another power play goal at 3:26. Pierce would make it a hat trick by scoring his third goal at 5:59. Sebastien Thinel and Collin Circelli had the assists on Pierce's hat trick goal. After a delayed penalty was called against the Gorillas, Garret Gruenke scored with the extra attacker on the ice for the first goal of his pro career. Time of the goal was 15:12. MacRae then got on the scoresheet for Amarillo with the period's final goal at 19:35. When it was all said and done, Odessa held a 6-2 lead after two periods.
Both teams exchanged third period goals as Mike Leseprance, Kenny Bernard, and Kelly scored for Odessa. Jason Chafe and Morissette scored for Amarillo. The final score was 9-4. Odessa added four power play goals giving them nine in their last two games.
The Jackalopes host the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs on Saturday at the Ector County Coliseum. Game time is 7:05 PM and the action can be heard on 102.1 Jack FM.
The Odessa Jackalopes are the Central Hockey League affiliate for the NHL's New York Islanders and the AHL's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The team is in the middle of their 13th season in the Permian Basin. Season tickets, mini-plans, and single game tickets are available by calling (432) 552-PUCK or visiting jackalopes.org.
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