ODESSA, Texas – With fewer than 20 games left in the 2009-10 Central Hockey League season, the Odessa Jackalopes have led from start to finish in the PHN Power Ranking Poll. And while there is no clear indication they will fall from the perch any time soon, the Rapid City Rush and Allen Americans are making strong cases for positioning in the poll’s top spot.

The Americans have one game in-hand on the Jacks and trail by six points entering Thursday’s game with Arizona in Prescott Valley. A win over the Sundogs would give Allen some momentum heading into the final weeks of the campaign and may cause the Jacks a little stomach acid in west Texas.

In the Northern Conference, the Rush have built a four-point lead over the Colorado Eagles following a thrilling, some say historic match between the two

Derek LeBlanc. Photo courtesy of CHL

clubs that went to overtime before Rapid City won 1-0. Derek LeBlanc potted the game winning goal 42 seconds into the overtime session and gave the Rush added confidence heading into the season’s home stretch. 

As reported by PHN’s John Hall, the Tulsa Oilers are making enough noise in the North to be a viable candidate for the post season. The Oilers sit in the sixth spot in the conference and are battling for a right to skate in the Ray Miron Cup playoffs. But Bossier-Shreveport, Missouri and Mississippi may have other intentions for the Oilers.

At the gate, the top five clubs in the league are Colorado, Rapid City, Missouri, Tulsa, and Rio Grande Valley. Wichita is in 6^th spot in the attendance race despite their 7-36-4 record. Those six clubs are each averaging over 4,000 fans a night. The attendance figures demonstrate the value of a good playoff race and the loyalty of fans to their teams (Wichita).

Contact Jeff.Reed@prohockeynews.com

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