ODESSA, TX – The Wichita Falls Warriors (10-8-1-3) looked to extend their win streak to four games as they hit the road to face-off with the Odessa Jackalopes (7-14-2-1) at the Ector County Coliseum for the first time this season.
It was just the third meeting between the two North American Hockey League South Division foes this season, and the first matchup since opening weekend back on October 25. The Warriors continued to start fast in the first period. Adisen Brueck (7) got the Warriors on the board first with a laser wrist shot from the right wing circle boards just 2:55 into the first to give the Warriors the early 3-0 lead. The Warriors would add another, as Carter Korpi (8) continues his production since coming to Wichita Falls by ripping a shot past Odessa’s 6 foot 8 goaltender Cooper Black on a 2-on-1 to push the Warriors lead to 2-0 midway through the first. Wichita Falls was not done in the first period either, as Drew Vieten (7) would make it 3-0 Warriors on a power play goal 13:00 into the first period. The Jackalopes would have a push of their own late in the first but the Warriors would help goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz in keeping Odessa off the score sheet. The Warriors took the three goal advantage to the first intermission.
The Warriors would play a conservative second period with the three goal lead. However, the Warriors remained relentless on the forecheck, pressuring the Jackalopes defensemen on the breakout to force a few turnovers and opportunities. Wichita Falls would have two power plays in the last seven minutes of the period but were unable to add to the three goal lead they had carried over from the first period. The Warriors had outshot the Jackalopes 23-12 through two periods of play and would take the three goal lead to the third period.
In the third period the Jackalopes would being to bring offensive pressure. Odessa had multiple opportunities including hitting the post for the second time in the contest. Warriors goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz, fresh off his first career shutout over New Mexico on January 23, would continue his perfection between the pipes. The Jackalopes would pull goaltender Cooper Black with over three minutes left during 4-on-4 play to give Odessa a 5-on-4 advantage with the extra skater. Even with the extra skater, Odessa could not beat Batoszkiewicz and the Warriors would put the icing on the cake as Thomas Weis (10) would find the back of the empty net for his third goal in just two games to give the Warriors a 4-0 win. The win extends the Warriors win streak to four straight. Bartoszkiewicz records back to back shutouts and his fourth straight win. The Warriors outshot the Jackalopes 30-25.
Owen Bartoszkiewicz (9-5-1-2) recorded the win for Wichita Falls. He recorded 25 saves on 25 shots faced. Cooper Black (0-3-0-0) recorded the loss for Odessa. He recorded 26 saves on 29 shots faced.
Next up, the Warriors look to sweep the Jackalopes on the weekend series on Saturday night and extend the win streak to five straight. Puck drop is at 7:15 PM at the Ector County Coliseum.
