The Amarillo Wranglers are coming off a recent road trip getting a split with the Odessa Jackalopes at the Ector CountyColosseum.
The Wranglers opened the series with a 3-1 win on Friday, but fell in Saturday’s finale, 5-2. The Wranglers are currently tied for sixth place in the North American Hockey League South Division at 9-8-0-1 (19 points).
Amarillo will be back at home this Friday and Saturday hosting division-leading Lone Star.
Friday’s game
Fresh off an early season break, traveled to “The Petroplex” for two games against Odessa.
During the early season break, a majority of players from the Wranglers were able to travel home and spend some much needed family time with loved ones throughout the country and the world.
The Jackalopes struck first in a power-play goal at the 1:34 mark of the first period when Shane Barry shot one past Wranglers netminder Charles Antoine Girard, taking an early 1-0 lead going into the first break.
It only took four and a half minutes into the second period for Wranglers forward Daniel Rassega to find the back of the net after receiving a lightning pass from linemate Caden Hegarty, tying this defensive juggernaut 1-1.
As a result of Rassega’s efforts throughout the weekend in Odessa, he was recognized as the 3rd Star of the Week for the South Division by the NAHL. Rassega leads the team in goals with seven. With just two minutes left in the second period, Jake, “the Snake” Boulanger scored his fourth goal of the year, giving Amarillo a 2-1 lead going into the final intermission. Bollinger leads the team in game-winning goals with a total of 3.
Amarillo looked to put a little sizzle on some West Texes Steak. At the 11:07 mark of the third period, the steak was served medium rare as Wranglers defenseman Lucas Schaefer took it all the way down Andrews Highway to score his first goal of the season and close this game out with a final of 3-1.
Amarillo goalie Charles Antoine Girard swatted 35-of-36 shots, delivering his fifth victory of the season.
Saturday’s game
With a two-game winning streak packed in their holsters, the Wranglers hit the ice on a victory mission. The first period saw a defensive standoff as neither team was able to score. A total of 14 shots were executed with none getting by the goaltenders.
In the second period, Amarillo penalties created cumbersome challenges as the Odessa Jackalopes scored two unanswered, power-play goals. Amarillo joined the power-play goal hoedown when, at the 9:35 mark of the second period, Cru Smith bazookaed the puck past Jackalopes goalie Kevin Jones to score his third goal of season and give Amarillo a small glimmer of hope as Odessa took a 4-1 lead going into the second intermission.
The penalty shindig continued in the third period as scoring was held to a minimum. Daniel Rassega scored his second goal of the weekend with 55 seconds left in the game, followed up by an “all hat and no cattle” goal by Odessa‘s Henry Thornton, closing out this “see the elephant” type of hockey game.
Amarillo goalie Girard stopped 28-of-32 shots, taking the loss with a record 5-3.
Veteran Affairs
The continued positive impact of the Amarillo Ice Ranch has now impacted the most important segment of our community, our veterans.
It was recently announced that in conjunction with the nonprofit “Amarillo Veterans Hockey Association”, a team of veteran hockey players with members of every branch of the US Armed Forces has been created. This team was created by veterans for veterans that is united in strength and purpose and will be bringing healing and camaraderie to the ice.
The mission of this organization is to support the mental health of veterans by creating a secure, inclusive environment that brings together individuals from all service branches through the sport of hockey while strengthening community connections for veterans throughout West Texas.
For more information on this great team/organization go to their Facebook page “West Texas Warriors” for more information.
Military Celebration Night
As part of the NAHL’s Military Appreciation Month, the Amarillo Wranglers will celebrate the Military Saturday, Nov. 22, with free tickets for active military and veterans with ID for the Lone Star Brahmas game. This game will be followed by a jersey auction, with proceeds going the Texas Wounded Warrior Foundation along with local and regional military/veterans organizations.
Editor’s Note
Please listen for Tommy Tee‘s weekly recap of Amarillo Wranglers hockey on the “Drive at Five” with Lance Lahnert every Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. exclusively on 710-AM KGNC. Scheduled to appear on this week’s program are Mason Lupo, and Alfons Jentler of the Wranglers.