Amarillo, TX – The Odessa Jackalopes defeated the Amarillo Wranglers 4-3 in overtime at the Budweiser Bull Pen on Friday Night. Michael Kadlecik scored the game-winning goal seven seconds into overtime.
The Wranglers and Jackalopes met for the seventh time this season, with Amarillo having a record of 3-1-1-1 on the season coming into the matchup. Goaltender Connor McDonough made his ninth straight start, carrying a record of 22-11-4-2, a 2.26 GAA, a .912 save percentage, and one shutout on the year. The Jacks started newly acquired goaltender Ivan Zhigalov, who was making his sixth straight start since coming over via trade from the USHL. Zhigalov had a record of 3-2, a 3.84 GAA, and an .897 save percentage on the year entering the game.
There was no scoring in the first period, and there were no penalties on either team. Both teams traded chances in the opening frame, but McDonough and Zhigalov were able to put up some big stops to keep the game scoreless. Amarillo led the shot count 13-10 after one period of play.
In the second period, Grayson Gerhard scored the game’s first goal 4:30 into the frame, from Cole Semeniuk. 1:38 later, Amarillo took a 2-0 lead when Roman Zap scored from Trace Day and Henry McRoberts. The Wranglers dominated play in the first ten minutes of the second period, not allowing the Jacks to get a shot on goal in the first five minutes of the period. Luke Morris tried to fight James Richman but ended up receiving a game misconduct for removing his helmet. The sequence of events led to the Jackalopes getting the game’s only power play, on which they scored in the form of Cameron Dunn’s 17th of the season from Michael Kadlecik and Riley Rosenthal with 7:06 to go in the second period. Odessa tied the game with 3:28 remaining in the period when Marcus Fechko scored to make it 2-2 from Zach Benayon and Michael Kadlecik. The Wranglers pushed back in the final minute of the period but were unable to score, although they did lead the shot count 24-22 after two periods.
Odessa scored again 2:57 into the third period to make it three unanswered goals and go ahead 3-2. Kowin Belsterling got the goal with the assist going to Trevor Mitchell. The Jacks held their lead late into the third period but the Wranglers responded with the goaltender pulled to tie the game. Amarillo did an excellent job of cycling the puck around until they found Zap at the right circle for a one-timer to beat Zhigalov and tie the game at 3-3. Regulation wasn’t enough so we headed to overtime.
It did not take long for the game to be decided, as just seven seconds into overtime the Jacks had a 2 on 1 going toward the net that McDonough was initially able to save – but Michael Kadlecik was able to put the loose puck in the back of the net to settle the score at 4-3.
The Wranglers and Jacks will square off in the season series finale on Saturday night, with puck drop at 7:15. It is Teacher Appreciation Night where teachers get in free. It is also the night when the Wranglers will honor Jason Chafe for winning the Community Hero Award with a pregame banner-raising ceremony, fans are encouraged to get to their seats early. You can get your tickets at panhandletickets.com or watch on NATV or listen on YouTube.