NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, TX — November is always a grueling month for the Brahmas. It’s on the tail end of the first half of the season, and Thanksgiving week in particular is a grind, with three games in four days. All things considered, collecting three points on the week isn’t bad.
Still, the Brahmas would have liked to pick up two points against the Shreveport Mudbugs, who lead the NAHL South. It was their first head-to-head matchup since the opening weekend of the NAHL regular season, and with the win on Wednesday, the Mudbugs lead the season series 2-1.
The only Brahmas goal on Wednesday came courtesy of Trevor Zenas.
Love the early lead. @MMontambault bumps it out to Connor Pooley, who takes the shot. @TrevorZenas finds the bouncing puck in the crease, and the Brahmas strike first! pic.twitter.com/55vqevk4iv
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 23, 2017
The Mudbugs found the back of the net twice in the third period, both times on the man advantage. It was a disappointing loss for Lone Star, who rarely give up third period leads and pride themselves on their usually top-three penalty kill.
It was also the Brahmas’ first loss at home.
After one day of rest for Thanksgiving, the Brahmas were right back at it, this time against the Amarillo Bulls. The Bulls have been a frequent opponent this month for the Brahmas — this matchup was the third round of the Battle of the Cattle in November.
Friday night yielded a sluggish start for the Brahmas — perhaps an effect of a vigorous morning skate prior to the game.
By the back half of the game, though, the team looked a little better. In the third, the Brahmas finally found the back of the net thanks to Aidan Spellacy.
Here's that @AidanSpellacy goal to open the third period! Snipe, score, celly. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/WVUvQiOMMV
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 25, 2017
Just a few minutes later, Austin O’Rourke added a tally of his own for a go-ahead goal.
Just moments later, @rourkey20 takes a beautiful feed from @JustinAddamo for a Brahmas lead! #entertained pic.twitter.com/D2c2XQs5BZ
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 25, 2017
That lead was short-lived, however, as a penalty shot was awarded to Bulls leading scorer Jon Russell after he snuck behind the Brahmas’ defenders. Russell buried to tie the game, and would eventually score late in overtime to sink the Brahmas.
Saturday yielded a kinder result for the Brahmas. They gave up the first goal of the game, but then scored three unanswered.
Justin Addamo tallied two consecutive goals for the Brahmas lead.
His first came off of an EMack Bentley rebound — Bentley created the chance with a neat stick lift and shot, and Addamo was hovering in the crease, ready for the puck.
Love to see the stick lift and shot from EMack Bentley. @JustinAddamo cleans up the rebound for the equalizer! pic.twitter.com/T7WyNcqcK9
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 26, 2017
Addamo’s second goal was a power play snipe from the top of the right circle to give the Brahmas a two-goal lead.
Here's @JustinAddamo's second of the game to put the Brahmas ahead! What a snipe. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/7JvbkOc4ji
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 26, 2017
It’s probably worth mentioning that Addamo appeared to complete a natural hat trick with three straight goals.
Feels like this should have been @JustinAddamo's third goal, but apparently skate deflections go for kicks these days. 🙄 pic.twitter.com/Y3gnhxoiGX
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 26, 2017
The goal was disallowed on the grounds that it was kicked in, and Addamo was robbed of what would have been his first NAHL hat trick.
The Brahmas shook the disallowed goal off, though, and Ture Linden potted two goals of his own.
Put the puck on @Kyle_Hallbauer's stick, good things happen. @Ture_Linden6 with some quick hands to bury the rebound, and the Brahmas go up by two! pic.twitter.com/dxd6YgYli4
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 26, 2017
A good idea for opponents: Don't leave @Ture_Linden6 alone in front of the net, he'll make you pay. pic.twitter.com/p9gsiJzKMJ
— Lone Star Brahmas (@LoneStarBrahmas) November 26, 2017
The Brahmas gave up one more goal — the Bulls were awarded a 5-on-3 power play and managed to capitalize. The score would stand at 4-2, though, and the Brahmas wrapped up a three-point weekend.
The homestand continues this weekend as the Odessa Jackalopes come to town. Puck drop on both Friday and Saturday will be 7:30 PM.