JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Moose managed to keep their record impeccable after a road trip to Vail, Colorado last weekend.
The Jackson skaters slipped past the Yeti 6-5 on Friday and then salted away an 8-4 win on Saturday.
Friday: Moose 6, Yeti 5
Both teams came out blazing at John. A. Dobson Arena in Vail Friday night to the delight of the crowd. Seven goals punctuated the 1st period with the hometown team taking the lead into the dressing room.
Both teams received the same message at first intermission and came out much tighter on defense. A scoreless 2nd period left the Moose down a goal entering the final frame.
A 3-goal 3rd sealed the deal for Jackson as the Moose took the lead and hung on for the 6-5 win.
The Moose spread out the scoring with 2-point nights from Kristian Ophus (1G, 1A), Ryan Glantz (1G, 1A), and Alex Dewitz (2A). Drew Akins, Tom Hartnett, and Davis Bruch (whose tally proved the game-winner) also contributed goals.
Moose netminder Nick Krauss made 37 saves on 42 shots for the win.
Saturday: Moose 8, Yeti 4
It was another fast start for both teams Saturday night with the Moose enjoying a 3-2 lead after one. Jackson pulled away in the 2nd period with 3 more tallies and cruised to the 8-4 win.
The game was a penalty-filled affair. The Moose racked up 26 minutes in penalties on the night to Vail’s 17.
Special teams were good to Jackson all weekend. The Moose were 2-6 on the power play Friday, 2-5 with the man advantage on Saturday. Meanwhile the PK looked solid. Jackson held the Yeti scoreless in 7 tries on the power play Friday. The Yeti were just 1-7 on the PP Saturday.
Jason Reese had the big night with 2 goals and 2 assists. Drew Akins (1G, 2A) and AJ Sanders (3A) added 3 points each. From the blueline, Jackson enjoyed production from Brad Improta (1G, 1A), and Vincent Macri (2G).
Sean Hannafin, Brian Upesleja, Ben Pullar, Joe Zelenka, and Alex Dewitz also got on the scoresheet. Goaltender Robbie Leslie turned away 40 of the 44 shots he faced.
Next up
With the two victories, the Moose improve their record to 6-0 on the season as they prepare for the Colorado Nailers this weekend.
