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."
"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."
"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."
"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!
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