Jackals Net Talented Goaltending Duo

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that goaltenders Josh Robinson and Travis Fullerton have signed Standard Player Contracts for the 2014-2015 season.

"Josh is an ultra-competitive goaltender who battles hard and finds a way to win games," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "I had the pleasure of coaching Josh at Michigan Tech and am looking forward to helping him develop into one of the top goalies in the ECHL."

Robinson, 24, brings championship experience with him to Elmira. Last season, Robinson split time with the Idaho Steelheads and the Calder Cup champion Texas Stars of the American Hockey League. He posted a 6-6-0 record with a 3.30 goals-against-average and a .882 save percentage in 15 games with the Stars. The 6-foot-0 185-pound netminder also went 13-7-1 with a 2.58 goals-against-average and a .911 save percentage in 23 games for the Steelheads. Robinson manned the pipes for Idaho's playoff run this past season, which ended at the hands of the eventual Kelly Cup champion Alaska Aces. In nine playoff games he posted a 2.07 goals-against-average and a .943 save percentage. Last season was Robinson's second year with the Steelheads. In 2012-13, as a rookie, Robinson recorded a 27-8-4 mark with a 2.57 goals-against-average and a .925 save percentage in 39 games. He also logged a 2.50 goals-against-average and a .919 save percentage in 13 playoff contests with Idaho.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Jackals organization," said Robinson. "With the new players and staff in place for this season, I am really looking forward to being a big part of trying to bring the Kelly Cup to Elmira." 

Prior to turning pro, Robinson played under Coach Russell for three of his four seasons (2008-2011) at Michigan Tech. During his senior season, he went 15-14-4 with a 2.83 goals-against-average and a .909 save percentage. Overall, throughout his four-year career at Michigan Tech, Robinson appeared in 90 games and posted a 21-47-8 record with a 3.56 goals-against-average and an .893 save percentage. 

Fullerton, 26, joins the Jackals after spending last season with the Las Vegas Wranglers. The workhorse netminder appeared in 45 games last year, which was tied for the league-lead among goaltenders. Fullerton also played 2612 minutes last season, which was the third-most minutes played in the ECHL. He finished the season with a 14-22-6 record, a 3.26 goals-against-average and a .910 save percentage. Fullerton joins Matt Tassone as the second Wrangler from their 2013-14 team to join the Jackals. The Riverview, NB native also played in two contests with the San Fransisco Bulls at the conclusion of the 2012-13 campaign. He posted a 0-0-1 record with a 1.59 goals-against-average and a .941 save percentage.

"Travis is a warrior between the pipes," said Russell. "He possesses a tremendous work ethic and displays his will to win each and every night. Travis and Josh will push each other for the starting job, which will create a competitive atmosphere throughout the season."

Prior to turning pro, Fullerton competed for five seasons at the University of New Brunswick in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). Fullerton played with recent Jackals signing, Thomas Nesbitt, for two seasons with the Varsity Reds. In his CIS career Fullerton compiled a record of 60-13-0 with a 1.87 goals-against-average and a .911 save percentage. He backstopped the University of New Brunswick to University Cup championships in 2009, 2011 and 2013.

"I couldn't be more happy to be joining the Jackals for the upcoming season," said Fullerton. "I am excited to meet my teammates and enjoy a great season in Elmira."

Fullerton played four seasons in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before attending the University of New Brunswick. He logged time with the Lewiston MAINEiacs and the Saint John Sea Dogs. Fullerton racked up a 41-46-1 record with a 3.43 goals-against-average and a .892 save percentage in 95 QMJHL games.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Jackals Agree To Terms With Trottier And McParland

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres and Rochester Americans, announced today that forwards Jordy Trottier and Nick McParland have signed Standard Player Contracts for the 2014-2015 season.

"Jordy is a young hockey player who will contribute through his relentless work ethic and tenacious spirit," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "He comes from a distinguished hockey family which has a deep hockey pedigree."

Trottier, 25, is entering his third professional season and second in the ECHL. The 5-11 180lb forward notched three goals and six points in 32 games with the Wheeling Nailers during the 2012-13 season. Trottier also skated in two games with the Louisiana IceGators of the Southern Professional Hockey League. The Bozeman, MT native spent his first professional season in 2011-12 with the Bloomington Blaze of the Central Hockey League. He tallied 12 goals and 20 points in 45 games with the Blaze.

"I am excited to join Coach Russell and the rest of the Jackals," said Trottier. "The addition of the new affiliation with Buffalo and Rochester, as well as the great signings over the last months, should make for an exciting year for both players and fans. I can't wait to get on the ice in October and start building for a great season."

Trottier's father, Monty, has spent the last two years as an amateur scout in the Buffalo Sabres organization. Jordy's uncle, Bryan, is a six-time Stanley Cup champion and an 18-year veteran of the National Hockey League. Bryan won the Calder Trophy as the NHL Rookie of the Year in 1975-76, the Art Ross Trophy as the NHL Most Valuable Player in 1978-79 and the Conn Smythe Trophy as the NHL Stanley Cup MVP in 1979-80. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1996-97.  

McParland, 27, comes to Elmira for his second taste of ECHL hockey and second full professional season. Last year, the 6-1 200lb forward skated in 51 games for the Wichita Thunder of the Central Hockey League. McParland recorded 23 points (seven goals, 16 assists) and 19 penalty minutes with the Thunder. The Schreiber, ON native earned his first ECHL experience with the Orlando Solar Bears at the conclusion of the 2012-13 campaign. In eight games with the Solar Bears McParland logged four points.

"Nick brings an intelligent and mature presence to our locker room," said Russell. "He plays a gritty, determined style of hockey, but also brings some offensive potential to the club."

Prior to turning pro, McParland skated in 142 NCAA games at Lake Superior State University. During his four-year career McParland scored 29 goals and added 37 assists to go along with 92 penalty minutes. His brother, Steven, is entering his third year at Providence College where he played under current Jackals head coach Jamie Russell.

"I am very excited to be a part of the Jackals organization and play in an area with such an amazing and passionate fan base," said McParland. "I am also appreciative of the opportunity that Coach Russell has given me."

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Jackals Announce Preseason Dates

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today their preseason schedule for the 2014-2015 season.

The Jackals will play a home-and-home series against their North Division rival, the Reading Royals.

Elmira will host the Royals at First Arena on Friday, October 10 at 7:05 p.m., then travel to Reading the following night to face the Royals in the preseason finale at 7:05 p.m. inside Santander Arena.

Both games are free to the public.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Jackals Strengthen Offense With Latest Signings

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that forwards Andrew Conboy, Thomas Nesbitt and Taylor Stefishen have signed Standard Player Contracts for the 2014-2015 season.

"Andrew is a big-bodied winger with a wealth of experience at the AHL level," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "His tenacious style of play exemplifies the hard-nosed, gritty brand of hockey we will produce in Elmira."

Conboy, 26, enters his sixth full professional season and first as a member of the Jackals. The 6-3 190lb forward split last season between the Cardiff Devils of the Elite Ice Hockey League, the St. Charles Chill of the Central Hockey League and the Idaho Steelheads of the East Coast Hockey League. Conboy spent the full 2012-13 campaign in the ECHL with the Trenton Titans and the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Burnsville, MN native played the previous three-plus seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. In 255 career professional games, Conboy has recorded 33 goals, 34 assists and 631 penalty minutes.

"I couldn't be happier with the opportunity to wear the Jackals sweater this season," said Conboy. "I am excited to be playing for Jamie Russell and to meet the boys."

Prior to turning pro, Conboy logged 88 points (42 goals, 46 assists) and 293 penalty minutes in 114 career games in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Lancers. He also spent one season at Michigan State University. In 21 NCAA games he posted five points and 76 penalty minutes. Conboy was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens with the 142nd pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.

"Thomas is a very skilled winger with scoring touch and a nose for the net," said Russell. "His natural ability to lead is the reason why he wore the 'C' on his chest in Ottawa."

Nesbitt, 24, joins the Jackals after spending the past three seasons at the University of New Brunswick in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). The 5-11 165lb forward notched 60 points (27 goals, 33 assists) in 83 CIS games. Before attending the University of New Brunswick, Nesbitt played five seasons for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League. The Stittsville, ON native logged 213 points (104 goals, 109 assists) in 331 career games for the 67's. Nesbitt was the team captain in his final season with Ottawa.

"I am excited to join the Elmira Jackals organization," said Nesbitt. "I have heard nothing but good things about the city of Elmira and I am excited to be apart of the new culture. I look forward to building towards a championship with this group."

Stefishen, 23, comes to Elmira after three seasons in the CIS with the University of Calgary. This past season Stefishen was an alternate captain and led the team with 25 assists. The North Vancouver, BC native finished tied for second on the team with 32 points in 26 games. In 79 CIS games, Stefishen notched 24 goals and 53 assists.

"Taylor is a dynamic playmaker with a knack for finding the open man," said Russell. "His ability to create plays out of nothing will electrify the fans this season at First Arena."

Prior to attending the University of Calgary, Stefishen played one season in the Western Hockey League with the Prince George Cougars. He recorded 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) in 68 games. Stefishen skated at Ohio State University the previous two seasons, logging 21 points in 42 games. He was drafted by the Nashville Predators with the 136th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

"I am very excited to be joining the Elmira Jackals organization and I look forward to working with Jamie Russell and the rest of the Jackals staff," said Stefishen. "The new direction of the Jackals organization looks very positive for both the players and city of Elmira."

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Jackals Add A Pair Of Defensemen

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that veteran defenseman J.D. Forrest and rookie blueliner Steven Shamanski have signed Standard Player Contracts for the 2014-2015 season.

"J.D. is a veteran, who has accumulated years of experience at the highest levels of competition in Europe," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "He brings a steady presence to our blueline and will be a leader among men on this club."

 

Forrest, 33, returns to the U.S. after spending eight of the last nine seasons in Europe. The Auburn, New York native split his time overseas playing in the top Finnish, German and Swiss leagues. Forrest also skated in the Allsvenskan, the second-highest league in Sweden, for one season. The 5-9 180lb defenseman was the alternate captain for the Augsburger Panthers of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga in each of the last two seasons. He also won two silver medals in the top Finnish league, the SM-liiga. Forrest's only professional season in the U.S. came in 2007-08. He split the season between the Florida Everblades and the Jackals in the ECHL as well as stints in the AHL with the Albany River Rats and the Worcester Sharks. In 418 career professional games, Forrest has recorded 45 goals and 152 assists.

"I am looking forward to the upcoming season with the Jackals and I'm very excited to be playing for an organization that is committed to winning," said Forrest. "I've heard that the community does a great job supporting the team and I can't wait to be a part of that. It will be great for me playing so close to my hometown of Auburn, NY and I hope I can be a big part of a successful season for the Elmira Jackals."

Prior to turning pro, Forrest played 144 NCAA games with the Boston College Eagles. In his four years on Chestnut Hill, Forrest notched 24 goals and 73 assists. The two-time alternate captain for the Eagles was a member of the 2000-01 National Championship squad and was named to the NCAA Second All-American Team in 2002-03.

"I have had the pleasure of coaching Steven for the past three seasons," said Russell. "He is a tremendously hard-working individual and possesses the skill set and compete level to be an impact player on our backend."

 

Shamanski, 24, rejoins Jamie Russell's squad after completing his collegiate career at Providence College. The two teamed up the last three seasons as Russell ran the defensive unit and penalty kill as an assistant coach. Shamanski set career highs last year with six goals and 16 points in 39 games with the Friars. The 6-0 195lb blueliner scored 11 goals and added 25 assists in 141 career NCAA games. Shamanski also skated in three games at the end of last season with the Fort Wayne Komets.

"I am excited for the upcoming season of Jackals hockey," said Shamanski. "I am honored to be a member of the organization and the community. I am looking forward to working with Coach Russell again, and hope that familiarity can help me transition from the college game to pro hockey."

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Patch Alber Returns To Elmira

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that defenseman Patch Alber has signed a Standard Player Contract for the 2014-2015 season.

"Patch Alber fits the mold of the style of player that we are looking for," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "Patch has a winning pedigree and comes from a very successful and competitive background. I am very familiar with Patch, having coached in the Hockey East Conference and he is the type of player we want as a core member of this team." 

 

Alber, 25, returns to Elmira following a strong rookie campaign. The 5-10 170lb defenseman finished second among team blueliners last season with six goals and 18 points in 65 games. The Clifton Park, New York native led all Jackals' rookie rearguards in goals, assists, points, and shots on goal.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to be back with the Jackals," said Alber. "I am very excited to work with the new head coach, Jamie Russell. The new affiliation with Buffalo and Rochester is going to be great for the organization. And most importantly, I am excited to be back playing in front of the Elmira fans. The fans were so great to me last year that provides even more motivation to get the Jackals back to their winning ways."

Prior to turning pro, Alber played 113 NCAA games with the Boston College Eagles. He recorded four goals and 25 assists in four years at one of the nation's premier college programs. During his four-year career at Boston College, Alber was a part of three Hockey East Championships (2010, 2011, 2012) and two National Championships (2010, 2012).

Alber is the first Jackal from the 2013-14 season to resign with the club for the 2014-15 campaign.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Elmira Jackals Announce Second Round of Blade Tryouts

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they will hold their second round of Blade tryouts on Monday, July 21 at 7:00 p.m. inside First Arena. The check-in process will begin at 6:30 p.m. for all tryout participants.

To register for Blade tryouts please fill out the  Tryout Registration Form and return it to Jared Abbott via email (jared@firstarena.com) or fax (607-739-3766). Walk-ups will also be accepted starting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, July 21.

The second round of the tryout process will consist of a skating test, an improvised skit, and a question-and-answer session with the panel of judges. The skating test and improvised skit will be done inside of the Blade costume while the Q & A session will be done face-to-face.

The skating test will mimic Blade's pre-game introduction at a Jackals home game. The improvised skit will need to be three minutes long and is limited only by the performer's creativity. It can range from a dance performance to a comedic skit similar to interacting with fans at a Jackals game.

The tryout participants will be evaluated and scored on skating ability, entertainment value, enthusiasm, improvisational skills and creativity.

There will be a few major changes from last year's Blade tryouts. For the first time, fans will be able to vote for their favorite mascot candidate! The fan vote will count as one of the five total votes and will be done on the Jackals' Facebook page. The voting will begin immediately following the conclusion of the Blade tryouts and will remain open until Thursday, July 24 at 11:59 p.m. All fans are encouraged to attend the Blade tryouts and watch from the seats. 

Additionally, the voting process will produce an on-ice Blade that will be used during the Jackals home games and a community Blade that will be used for public appearances year-round!

A panel of celebrity guest judges will score each of the performers' tryouts. The panel is comprised of:

Fan Vote - All fans are encouraged to attend the Blade tryouts and cast their vote on the Jackals' Facebook page.
Donna Brooks - Owner of Donna Brooks Dance Academy for 50 years. East Coast judge for teenage pageants. Taught dance in New York City and Buffalo.
Mike Strobel - Senior Account Executive for Elmira Jackals and First Arena. 20 years as a radio personality with 94Rock and 99.5 WOKN
Alex Cawley - Sports Director for WETM-TV
Jared Abbott - Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for Elmira Jackals and First Arena.

Performers should wear comfortable fitting athletic clothes to wear while in costume. Athletic shoes should also be worn while in costume and not on skates.

Interested performers are required to be 16 years old or older, stand 5'6" or taller and be able to provide their own transportation to and from Jackals home games and events.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!

Elmira Jackals Extend Four Qualifying Offers

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have extended qualifying offers to four players from the 2013-2014 team.

"We believe this group of men will help create a nucleus for the new era of Jackals hockey," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "This organization will be reborn with a fresh blend of skill, grit and passion. We are laying the foundation for a championship culture in Elmira."

The Elmira Jackals have submitted qualifying offers to the following players:

Patch Alber, 25, finished second among team defensemen with six goals and 18 points in 65 games. The Clifton Park, New York native led all Jackals' rookie blueliners in goals, assists, points, and shots on goal.

Neil Conway, 26, led all Jackals' goaltenders in wins with nine. The Concord, Ohio native joined the Jackals after beginning the season in the Elite Ice Hockey League (EIHL) with the Nottingham Panthers. Conway appeared in 25 games last season and finished with a 3.10 goals-against-average and a .913 save percentage.

Jordan Pietrus, 28, finished second on the team with 30 assists and 45 points last season. The Vermilion, Alberta native led the team with three short-handed goals and 246 shots on goal. The alternate captain was the only Jackal to skate in all 72 regular season games last year.

Nick Tuzzolino, 28, started the season with the Fort Wayne Komets before a midseason trade to Elmira. The Buffalo, New York native played in just four games with the Jackals before he was loaned to the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League. The 6'5 225lb blueliner notched three points in 36 games with the Amerks.

Players who had already signed a contract by June 30 did not need to receive a qualifying offer.

Each team was entitled to reserve the rights to a maximum of eight qualified players. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2014-15 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.

The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until Aug. 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran untilAug. 1. After Aug. 1, if the veteran player is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player's rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player's rights and the Professional Hockey Players' Association. The member with the player's rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer.

If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by Aug. 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their eighth season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 17 against the Kalamazoo Wings at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call 607-734-7825 to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans! Get 'em while they're hot!