JACKSON HOLE, WYO – The Jackson Hole Moose head into the non-league portion of their schedule where they welcome a string of teams from across the country for a taste of sweet skiing and hard hockey. Over the course of the next two months, the Moose will host teams from New York, Cleveland, Vermont, and San Francisco. The hometowners begin the stretch with a pair against the Colorado Nailers this weekend.
The Moose closed out 2017 with a gut-check split of games against the Sun Valley Suns on the road in Hailey.
On Friday, December 29, Jackson lost 7-4. The game was much closer than the final score would indicate but a thin bench for the Moose took its toll in the third period as the Suns ran away with tallies in the final 20 minutes. Tom Hartnett potted a pair for the Moose. Drew Akins had a three-point night (1,2) and Ben Pullar added a goal.
Saturday was a different story. Skating just 12 players, the Moose found another gear after a 2-2 first period and, when needed in the final frame, goaltender Nick Krauss (47 saves) was from another planet. The Moose prevailed 4-2 to put a positive spin on captain Brian Upesleja’s 40th birthday and hit NYE on a high note.
Nate Goss-Wolliner and Kristian Ophus logged monster minutes on the blueline while the usual suspects took care of the scoring. AJ Sanders had a goal and three assists. Tom Hartnett added two more tallies with a helper, and Drew Akins enjoyed a two-point (1,1) night.
Jackson is now 8-4 on the season, 6-4 in Black Diamond Hockey League play.
Hot Pass will provide the music entertainment this weekend. Doors and music at 7pm, puck drops at 7:30pm.
