The Texas Tornado (22-7-6, 50pts, #2 South) spent much of their holiday season on the ice, as they had three games in the last calendar week of 2011. After a complete 6-2 victory over Corpus on December 28th the Tornado traveled to Odessa for a New Year’s Eve set against the Jackalopes. A Tornado 9-1 romp on Friday would not spill over to New Year’s Eve however, as the Tornado dropped the Saturday tilt 4-1.
More on the Tornado after the jump…
Jack Prince’s Hat Trick Paces Tornado to 6-2 Win Over Ice Rays
Neither the Texas Tornado nor Corpus Christi Ice Rays had played in the 11 days prior to the Wednesday night tilt, but Texas captain Jack Prince made up for lost time with a hat trick, leading them to a 6-2 victory. Prince scored PP goals in the first and third periods, along with an even-strength marker in the final minute of play. Jordan Greenberg chipped in a goal and three assists, while Joakim Jutras made 18 saves in the win.
Two Goals From Prince, Reuschlein Power Texas to 9-1 Romp
It was all Texas all game against the Odessa Jackalopes on Friday. The Tornado scored seven straight goals to close out a 9-1 rout at the Ector County Coliseum. Joakim Jutras stopped 29 of 30 shots for the win, as he improved his record on the season to 14-2-3. Jack Prince and CJ Reuschlein each had two goals, while newcomer Alex Temby chipped in with a goal and two assists. Temby scored what turned out to be the game winner with a wrister early in the first while other Tornado goal-scorers included Conner Burton, Marc Biggs, Jordan Lovick, and Tyler Rostenkowski.
Final Game of 2011 Ends with 4-1 Tornado Defeat
After a nine-goal outburst on Friday, the Tornado were stymied by Odessa goaltender Connor Hellebuyck on Saturday, who stopped 42 of 43 shots in dispatching Texas by a 4-1 score. Reid Mimmack saw just 20 shots on goal, but dropped to 8-4-3 on the season. The Tornado scored 4 goals in the first period on Friday night, but Hellebuyck– who was pulled in the second period the night before– was on his game 24 hours later. Mychal Monteith scored the lone Texas goal in the third.
Looking Ahead:
Texas will return home to the Dr Pepper Arena on Thursday, January 5th @ 7:30pm to face the Corpus Christi Ice Rays and then will be back in action on Friday, January 6th @ 7:30pm to battle the Odessa Jackalopes. Tickets for both games can be found here.
Apparently, scoring 5 goals in 3 games gets you noticed as Tornado Captain Jack Prince was named the NAHL’s Second Star of the Week.
As always, be sure to follow all things Tornado related at www.TornadoHockey.com or www.NAHL.com
I can be reached directly at Nick@TornadoHockey.com