Central Hockey League: Ramsay's heroics help Jacks get home safely

Mike Ramsay’s first stint with the Odessa Jackalopes during the 2006-07 season was highlighted by his first professional hat trick as his parents watched from the stands.

Ramsay’s second came a couple of days too early since he scored three consecutive goals in the third period and overtime Wednesday to lift the Jackalopes in their 5-4 victory at Rio Grande Valley.

After all, his parents are due in town today.

“It’s kind of funny,” Ramsay said Thursday. “They were here the first time and almost here the second time. Who knows, maybe I’ll get another one while they’re here.”

That would suit Jackalopes head coach Paul Gillis and Ramsay’s teammates just fine as they play host to Arizona at 7:05 tonight in their first game at Ector County Coliseum since Jan. 2.

The native of Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, has scored 42 points this season — 17 goals, 25 assists — in helping Odessa to the best record in the Central Hockey League (32-6-3).

“Mike is a great person to have on the ice and in the locker room,” Gillis said. “He’s extremely coachable and works hard every night.

“He’s on the power play, the penalty kill and has a regular shift and has done a great job for us this year, with some big goals.”

After a 7-1 road trip, the Jackalopes start a six-game home stand tonight and at 7:05 p.m. Saturday against Arizona before playing host to Laredo at 4:05 p.m. Sunday.

Though the Jackalopes have won all six games this season against the Sundogs, Ramsay expects tough contests against the 2008 CHL champion.

“They are a much better team than their record,” Ramsay said. “We always play tight games against them and we are going to have to be ready to play because you don’t want to come off the road playing well and then not have a good game the first night back in your own building.

“The team is playing with a lot of confidence right now.”

Confidence that comes from a seven-game winning streak that includes comeback victories in Wichita, Corpus Christi and Hidalgo, with someone different showing up each night to help the team to victory.

It was Ramsay’s turn Wednesday.

Winning on the road was nice, but Ramsay is glad to be back home and able to sleep in his own bed for a couple of weeks.

“I think that this road trip always helps the team get closer,” Ramsay said. “And the way we played, it built a lot of character. Now we just need to keep it going.”