A limited roster for the Jackson Hole Moose did what it could against a talented Phoenix team over the weekend. Jackson outlasted the Desert Dogs in a battle of wills Friday, and, despite a spirited comeback Saturday, could not draw even with the Arizona visitors.
Jackson 6, Phoenix 4
AJ Sanders’ hatty fueled the Moose Friday and it included the GWG with 8 minutes left in the 3rd.
Both goaltenders were tested early and often. Jackson’s Nick Krauss stopped 43 of 47 shots. The Dogs’ Trevor Wilson faced 48 shots, saving 42.
Drew Akins continued his point-leading pace in 2021-22. He finished with 5 assists to go along with a goal for 71 points on the season.
Phoenix 6, Jackson 5
If you arrived late to Saturday’s game, you might have missed all 7 goals netted in the 1st period, with the Desert Dogs grabbing a 4-3 lead after the first 20 minutes.
Both teams tightened defensively. Jackson goalie Robbie Leslile settled in. But the Moose faced a 2-goal deficit with just the final period remaining.
The comeback bid fell short, however, and the Moose failed to get the tying goal in a furious final minute with their net empty.
Dakota Richardson had the hattrick for Jackson. Sanders picked up 4 assists, and Akins added a goal and 3 helpers.
Next up
The Moose (13-3) have this weekend off before hosting the Denver Leafs on January 28-29.
