The Minnesota Mallards opened the 2026 NAHL Showcase with a pair of hard-fought games, dropping a close one to the Billings Cattle Punchers before bouncing back with a shutout win over the Odessa Jackalopes.
The Mallards opened Showcase play on September 23 against Billings and stayed within striking distance throughout the game.
Minnesota trailed 3-2 late in the third period and pushed for the tying goal in the final minutes. With the Mallards’ net empty for the extra attacker, Billings was able to add an empty-net goal in the final minute to seal a 4-2 victory.
Despite the loss, Minnesota had a quick turnaround with another Showcase matchup the following day.
Mallards Shut Out Odessa 1-0
On September 24, the Mallards responded with a strong defensive effort against the Odessa Jackalopes.
The game remained scoreless until Ryan Lucarelli broke through for Minnesota.
After receiving a pass from Ty Gordon, Lucarelli created the scoring opportunity and stayed with the play, burying the puck off his own rebound to give the Mallards a 1-0 lead.
That would be all the offense Minnesota needed.
Goaltender Max Pitts shut the door the rest of the way, turning aside everything Odessa sent his way to earn his first shutout as a Minnesota Mallard.
The Mallards held on for the 1-0 win and moved to 1-1 through their first two games of the Showcase.
One Day Off Before Houston
Minnesota gets a day away from game action on September 25 before returning to the ice for its final Showcase game.
The Mallards will take on the Houston Bulls on September 26 as they look to finish the 2026 NAHL Showcase on a strong note.
After two very different games to open the event — a tight 4-2 loss and a 1-0 shutout win — the Mallards will look to carry that defensive effort and momentum into their final matchup.
Next up: Houston Bulls — September 26.
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