Yesterday the Ice Wolves made history by recording their first ever win in franchise history, 4-3. Along with their most goals scored in a game. The Jackalopes were the ones that got on the board first though as Kam Ottenbreit found himself in the right place at the right time. He was able to pick up the loose puck behind Josh Graziano and easily tapped it home to put his team up 1-0. While on the man-advantage, Odessa was able to convert after Matt Hutton had his shot find the back of the net. The Jackalopes took a 2-0 lead into the locker room after the first, just like they did the night prior.
It was in the middle frame the Ice Wolves were not going to go down quietly as they came out firing on all cylinders. Griffen Sanom was the first Ice Wolf to score as he entered the offensive zone on the right side and snapped the puck far side on Max Miller. Recording his first goal of the season. While the power play has struggled for New Mexico early on this season, Alex Dominique (3) was able to make Odessa pay. He received a drop back pass while in his own zone and used his speed to cut around two Jackalopes and slide the puck right under the pads of Miller. The score would remain tied at 2-2 when the second period ended.
In the final period of regulation Odessa regained the lead after John Serafin took a shot from the point that eventually made its way past Graziano. Serafin’s goal marked the first of the season for Odessa while in the third period. Before the halfway point in the third, McCosh received a penalty for high-sticking but that penalty will go down as the best thing that ever happened to the Ice Wolves. They were able to use their speed to their advantage and recorded not one but two, short-handed goals. The first one was from the stick of the Assistant Captain, Drew Lorinchak (2), who was able to snipe the puck over the left arm of Miller. Tying the game once again. Drew’s goal was also the first short-handed goal in Ice Wolves history. With time winding down on McCosh’s minor the Ice Wolves intercepted the puck again and this time it was Emil Gabrielson scoring short-handed as he threw it towards the net and caught a fortunate bounce off of a Jackalope that sent the puck in the net. With under a minute left in regulation the Jackalopes pulled Miller in hopes of tying things up once again but it would be to no avail. The horn sounded sending arms and equipment in the air as the Ice Wolves finally celebrated their first win of their inaugural season.
Many say the number 13 is an unlucky one but for the Ice Wolves that is not the case, as they picked up their first win on their 13th game (1-11-0-1). The win also marked the first as a Head Coach for Phil Fox. Fox had this to say when asked what the last 60 seconds was like for him, “an eternity.” Graziano made 29 saves and even picked up an assist on Sanom’s goal. The Ice Wolves are now looking to carry the momentum back to the Outpost Ice Arenas where they will play 11-straight games.
Next weekend will be Pink The Rink and the Ice Wolves will be dawning their first ever specialty jerseys in program history. Fans will have a chance to win them following the conclusion of Saturday’s game. Visit our website for more information and click here to purchase your tickets for any of our upcoming home games!