Rays Squeak Past Jacks In Shootout, 2-1
Published on January 13, 2012 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - In the first meeting between the two teams since October 1st, the Odessa Jackalopes rallied back from down a goal midway through the second period to force overtime and then a shootout, but ultimately fell 2-1 to the Corpus Christi IceRays Thursday at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi. With the loss, the Jacks fell to 12-16-5 on the season and with 29 points, remain alone in fifth place in the NAHL's South Division standings, five points behind the IceRays for the fourth and final South Division playoff spot.
After Brendan Smith tallied his fourth goal of the season for Corpus Christi, a rebound tally at 9:06 of the second period, the Jacks tied the game at one with a marker from former IceRay Josh Obregon who poked home a pass from Mikko Virtanen for his ninth goal of the season and 12th point at 14:30 of the middle frame.
Following a scoreless third period and overtime, a five-round shootout went the distance as Corpus winger Dmitry Ermakov beat Jackalopes' netminder Connor Hellebuyck high to the stick-side in the final round to notch the shootout game-winner for Corpus the second consecutive game.
Hellebuyck was stout in net in his 19th consecutive start between the pipes for Odessa, stopping 35 of the 36 shots he faced and Corpus Christi's Anthony Stolarz was solid as well, making 29 saves in the game.
Next up for the Jacks, it's a rematch with the IceRays at American Bank Center in Corpus Christi on Friday with the opening faceoff set for 7:05 pm.
The Odessa Jackalopes celebrate their 15th Anniversary in 2011-12 and drop the puck on their inaugural campaign as a member of the North American Hockey League. Season tickets, mini-plans, and single game tickets are available by calling (432) 552-7825 or by visiting the Jacks online at www.jackalopes.org.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 13, 2012
- Bulls fall in shootout To Topeka 4-3 - Amarillo Bulls
- Bobcats Rally, Win and Clinch Playoff Berth - Bismarck Bobcats
- Nichols Records Fifth Shutout of Season - Wenatchee Wild
- Turnovers doom Odessa in third game of season-long road trip - Odessa Jackalopes
- Bruins record 19th win of season - Austin Bruins
- IceRays Complete Sweep with 3-0 Win - Corpus Christi IceRays
- Rays Squeak Past Jacks In Shootout, 2-1 - Odessa Jackalopes
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