Jackals Trade for 2012-13 All-ECHL Second Team Defenseman

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have traded for veteran defenseman Nick Tuzzolino. Tuzzolino comes to Elmira from the Fort Wayne Komets in exchange for defenseman Jordon Southorn.

Tuzzolino, a Buffalo, N.Y. native, had seven points (1 goal, 6 assists) in 13 games with Fort Wayne to begin the season. The 6-5, 225-pound defenseman also racked up 46 penalty minutes while serving as the Komets' captain.

Last season he split the season between the ECHL's Utah Grizzlies and the American Hockey League's Abbotsford Heat. With the Grizzlies he was fourth in the league, and tops among defenseman, with 21 power play assists and was ranked the second best defenseman in the league for power play points (23) in only 44 games. He ranked fifth and eighth, respectively, among defenseman in the league for assist (31) and points (36).  For his efforts Tuzzolino was named to the 2012-13 All-ECHL Second Team. He also saw action in 14 games with the Heat and registered one goal along with 11 penalty minutes.

Tuzzolino was a seventh round draft pick (#196 overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. In seven years as a pro Tuzzolino has appeared in 296 ECHL games to date combined between Alaska, Utah, Wheeling, and Fort Wayne. He has totaled 153 points (35 goals, 118 assists) and 743 penalty minutes in that time. He has also logged 50 AHL games between Abbotsford, Lake Erie, and Portland. Before turning pro Tuzzolino played five seasons in the Ontario Hockey League splitting time with the Sarina Sting and Sudbury Wolves with 70 points (13 goals, 57 assists) and 338 penalty minutes in 168 games.

Southorn recorded four points in three games for Elmira to begin the season before leaving to sign a contract with Scotland's Dundee Stars of the Elite Ice Hockey League.
 
Mark your calendars! The Jackals return home on November 29, 2013 to take on the CincinnatiCyclones  at 7:05 p.m. 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:
 
Friday, November 29: Elmira Jackals vs. Wheeling, 7:05 p.m. "Bag A Turkey" Night. Contestants will compete to catch live turkeys at the first intermission. Click here to order tickets.  
 
Saturday, November 30: Elmira Jackals vs. Cincinnati, 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.  

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