The Texas Tornado (22-9-6, 50pts, #2 South) have been bitten by the injury bug and have struggled offensively as a result. The Tornado have scored just three goals in their past three games and have not been able to completely shut it down on the defensive side, leading to a 3-game losing streak, the first of the season.
More on the Tornado after the jump…
Herndon Scores in Return, Tornado Blown Out 6-1
The Tornado came into the game against the Corpus Christi Ice Rays as winners of 5 of their past 7, but four Ice Rays goals in the first period propelled them to a 6-1 win over Texas at the Dr Pepper Arena. The result marred the return of Taylor Herndon, sidelined for the past two months with a wrist injury, as he scored the lone goal for the Tornado on the evening, but not until 6:47 of the third period, with the game already decided.
Texas Drops Third Straight in 2-1 Loss to Odessa
Texas was handed its third straight loss in Odessa on Friday, who defeated the Tornado 2-1. Texas sent 32 shots on goal but were constantly stymied by Odessa goaltender, Connor Hellebuyck. Joakim Jutras started in net for Texas and only saw 18 shots, but the two that got past were enough to seal the fate for the Tornado on this evening. The Tornado struck first with an early goal from Ondrej Kopta, but Odessa would rally behind strong net-minding and suffocate the Tornado into their third straight loss.
Looking Ahead:
-This upcoming weekend the Tornado return to the Dr Pepper Arena on Friday, January 13th against Wichita Falls and Saturday, January 14th against Odessa. Both games start at 7:30pm and this weekend is the annual “Winterfest benefiting Children’s Medical Center”. Each Tornado player will be skating with a patients name on their jersey, and the team will be wearing special “retro” jerseys from their time in North Richland Hills and the first season here in Frisco. The jerseys will be auctioned off on Saturday following the game (with proceeds going to Children’s Medical Center), which coincides with a post-game skate to meet the players. Tickets can be found here. I can be contacted for further information as well.
-Jackson Leef is back! Full release here.
As always, follow all things Texas Tornado at www.TornadoHockey.com and www.NAHL.com
I can be reached directly via email at Nick@TornadoHockey.com