Sports stats



NAHL Odessa Jackalopes

Two-Goal Game for Brown Not Enough in 5-4 Defeat

February 13, 2015 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release


WICHITA FALLS, TX - The Odessa Jackalopes headed to Wichita Falls, TX Friday night for a date with the Wichita Falls Wildcats. The previous five contests had been very close, with the Jacks going 2-2-1. In the five previous contests, three of them were one-goal outcomes, two of them going the Wildcats way. The Jacks came into play Friday with a 1-1 record at the Kay Yeager Coliseum this season. Three Jackalopes (Dakoda Menslage, Zach Zech, and Eric Carreras) made their Jackalopes debut this evening.

The Jacks got off to a fast start against the Wildcats, testing their defense, which has been suspect at times this season. The Jacks got out to an 8-2 lead in shots, but had trouble solving Princeton commit Austin Shaw in the Wildcats goal. The 'Cats would strike first at 13:41 on a goal from Evan Okeley. The Wildcats player carried the puck in on the wing and fired a shot wide that caromed off the end boards to Okeley on the weak side of Tanner Creel. When Nate Werhane took a cross-checking penalty, Matt Koch scored on a point-shot that leaked through Creel to put the 'Cats up 2-0. The Jacks outshot the 'Cats 11-8, but was looking at a two-goal deficit after one period.

The Jackalopes stormed back in the second. Newly named captain Matt Beranek scored his first goal of the season at the 14 second mark. The 'Cats answered at 6:05 on Even Okeley's second of the night came shorthanded to put the Wildcats back up by two. Drew McLean answered back for the Jacks on the power play at 16:06 on a slap shot from the blueline. 50 seconds later, Derek Brown scored his 14th goal of the season to tie the contest.

In the third, the Jacks were given a power play but Colin Staub scored a shorthanded goal to give the 'Cats a 4-3 lead. The Jacks tied once again. Derek Brown scored his second goal of the game. 34 seconds later, Nikita Litviak put the Wildcats back out front for good. The rebound came off the pads of Creel, and Litviak finished the shot in the slot area. The Jackalopes pulled the goalie late to try and tie, but the effort failed. The Jacks fell to 9-30-6 on the season.

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.

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.

Check out the Odessa Jackalopes Statistics

• Discuss this story on the North American Hockey League message board...

North American Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central