Odessa Jackalopes (1997–2011)

:This article is about the defunct original Odessa Jackalopes of the CHL from 1997 until 2011. For the current NAHL franchise of same name, see: Odessa Jackalopes.
The Odessa Jackalopes were a minor professional ice hockey team based in Odessa, Texas. The team played in the Central Hockey League (CHL), and was an affiliate of the New York Islanders. The Jackalopes played their home games at Ector County Coliseum. 
All Jackalopes games were broadcast live on KMCM from the franchise's inaugural year until the 2009-10 season when KFZX took over the broadcasting rights to the live games and the Monday talk show called Hockey Talk.
== History ==
In October 1997, Odessa joined the Western Professional Hockey League (WPHL). In their first season the home games drew an average of 4,000 spectators. Over the next couple of seasons that numbered leveled off, and the team now averages just over 3,200 hockey fans each game. The team mascot, a Jackalope, quickly became one of the most popular in hockey's minor leagues, and team merchandise featuring the snarling, antlered rabbit, has sold well throughout the United States and Canada. 
=== Leagues ===
The Jackalopes continued playing in the WPHL until 2001 when the league merged with the Central Hockey League. Since the 2001-2002 season the Jackalopes have played in the CHL.http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/team_data.php?x=78&y=21&tname=Odessa+Jackalopes&tcity=&tstate=&tleague=&y1=&y2=
On March 23, 2011, the team confirmed that they would be leaving the CHL and joining the North American Hockey League (NAHL).http://www.oaoa.com/sports/hockey-62328-league-american.html
==Captains==
Captain - Sebastian Thinel 
Alternate - Philippe Plante
Alternate - Mike Ramsay
Note: Thinel named as Captain replacing injured David van Drunen & Ramsay named Alternate.
== References ==
== External links ==
*Odessa Jackalopes
Category:Defunct Central Hockey League teams
Category:Central Hockey League teams
Category:New York Islanders
Category:Bridgeport Sound Tigers
Category:American ice hockey teams
Category:Established in 1997
Category:Disestablished in 2010
Category:Western Professional Hockey League teams