Central Hockey League; Jacks face must-win situation

ALLEN The Odessa Jackalopes face a crucial contest with the Allen Americans at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Game 4 of the Central Hockey League's Southern Conference Finals at the Allen Event Center.

The Americans lead the best-of-7 series 2-1 after Wednesday's 5-2 victory over Odessa, with Nino Musitelli, Bruce Graham and Justin Bowers combining for three goals and eight assists in the win.

Jeff Pierce scored both goals for the Jackalopes and now has scored three straight after his overtime marker won Game 2 for Odessa on Saturday at the Ector County Coliseum.

Game 5 is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday evening, with Game 6, if necessary, back at Ector County Coliseum at 7:05 p.m. Monday.