Jackals Edged Out By Wheeling

ELMIRA, N.Y. - Despite a bevy of shots and power play chances the Elmira Jackals had a difficult time cashing in against Wheeling goalie Mike Condon, and it resulted in a 3-1 loss for the Jackals at First Arena on Friday night. The loss dropped Elmira to 4-10-2 on the year.

Click here for tonight's box score.

Click here for tonight's postgame comments.

The Jackals were looking for a fast start to put the energy into their Black Friday crowd, but Wheeling got the jump when rookie Anton Zlobin beat goalie Scott Greenham for his third of the year. Zlobin cut loose a wrist shot from the right wing circle that eluded Greenham's blocker just 3:26 into the contest. Elmira answered with 11 shots against Condon, with several quality chances amongst them, but were turned away on each attempt and headed into the second period searching for the tying score.

Before Elmira could put itself on the scoreboard Tyler Fernandez chopped a loose puck past Greenham midway through the second to double Wheeling's lead. Fernandez, who was playing his second game after a call up from the Southern Professional Hockey League, took the puck after a blocked point shot from Myles Harvey and slipped it five-hole for his first goal of the season. Colin Mulvey won the faceoff to earn his first professional assist. That goal came on one of just five second period shots for Wheeling. Elmira, meanwhile, launched 16 at Condon, and the persistent pressure paid off. Rob Bellamy cashed in the rebound of a Marvin Degon point shot for his fourth of the year at 12:18. Jean Bourbeau also assisted for his fourth point (1 goal, 3 assists) in the last three games.

Elmira had been able to erase deficits of one goal and two goals in the third period of its last two games, and was looking to complete the trifecta tonight. The comeback bid hit a pothole, though, when Sahir Gill deflected a centering pass from Scott Zurevinski perfectly under the cross bar to reestablish Wheeling's two-goal lead. The Jackals had just over 17 minutes to try to tie the game, and were the beneficiaries of three third period power plays, but Wheeling's defense clamped down on the lead and held on for the victory.

Greenham stopped 21 shots and shouldered the loss while Condon turned away 34 of 35.. Elmira ended the night 0-for-6 on the power play and 4-for-4 on the penalty kill.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals return are back on home ice Saturday, November 30 to take on the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Jackals will honor Elmira Express football teams in a pregame ceremony. Elmira Free Academy and Southside High School students get a free ticket by showing student ID at box office. Don't forget that groups of 10 or more who book in advance receive discounts off the box office price and preferred seating based on availability. Call 607-734-7825 to get your group outing booked.

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UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS:

Saturday, November 30: Elmira Jackals vs. Wheeling, 7:05 p.m. Elmira Express night. Jackals will honor Elmira Express football teams in a pregame ceremony. Elmira Free Academy and Southside High School students get a free ticket by showing student ID at box office. Click here to order tickets.

Friday, December 6: Elmira Jackals vs. Fort Wayne, 7:05 p.m. Teddy Bear Toss. Bring a new stuffed animal to the game and throw it onto the ice when the Jackals score their first goal. All tossed animals will be donated to local charities. Click here for tickets.

Sunday, December 8: Elmira Jackals vs. Fort Wayne, 4:05 p.m. Postgame Skate With the Jackals. Click here for tickets.   

Saturday, December 7: Lee Greenwood & Crystal Gayle Christmas Concert, 7:00 p.m. Click here to order tickets.