Jackals Hockey Staff Takes Shape

ELMIRA, N.Y. - May 21, 2013- The Elmira Jackals' hockey staff for the 2013-14 season has begun to take shape. The team announced today that  Dwight Mullins will return as head coach and Robbie Nichols has been brought on as the Jackals' vice president and general manager.

Matt Hufnagel, who was general manager of both First Arena and the Jackals for 2012-13 has been retained as the general manager of First Arena.

"Robbie and Dwight make up the core of what is going to be an impressive hockey staff for the Jackals. Dwight did a tremendous job under adverse circumstances to lead the team to the playoffs last year. Robbie's wealth of experience as a manager, coach, and player at the professional level speaks for itself and we're thrilled to have him back," said Jackals and First Arena owner Tom Freeman.

Nichols returns to the Jackals after a one-year hiatus to take on his seventh season as general manager of the club. As the GM from 2007 to 2012, Nichols helped construct Jackals squads that compiled a 194-128-34 record and qualified for the playoffs each year. He also took over as head coach for the final 19 games of 2010-11 and guided the Jackals to a 9-7-3 record down the stretch.

As the vice president and general manager of the Jackals, Nichols will oversee the team's ticket sales and corporate partnership efforts, as well as the team's hockey operations.

"I'm thankful that Tom Freeman and Nate Cook have given me the opportunity to come back to the Jackals. This is an exciting time to be involved with the Jackals as we open a new chapter in our history, and I can't wait to get to work with Dwight to put the team together," said Nichols.

Mullins will be back for his second season with the Jackals after notching a 40-25-7 record in 2012-13. He was hired to replace his predecessor Pat Bingham last September just days before the Jackals opened training camp. He went on to win 40 games, or more, for the third time in four years as a pro head coach and qualified for the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. From 2009 to 2012 Mullins coached the Central Hockey League's Allen Americans and built a 128-51-17 record.

"I am happy that Tom Freeman and Nate Cook have given me the chance to come back and coach the Jackals again. As a team, we accomplished a lot last season but fell short of our ultimate goal - a championship. Now it's time to get to work and build a championship-caliber team that Jackals fans will enjoy cheering for," said Mullins.

Don't miss out! Season tickets for the Jackals' 2013-14 season are on sale right now. Season tickets are the most valuable way to see the Jackals play because they offer the best discount on the box office price and come with great benefits. Just $100 per seat will reserve your season tickets. Call the Jackals at 607-734-7825 for more information or to place your order today.

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Upcoming Events:

Thursday, June 6, 7:30 p.m. - First Arena Comedy Club. Join us at the First Arena Restaurant for a night of laughs at the debut of First Arena Comedy Club. Call 607-734-7825 for more information.

Friday, June 7, 8:00 p.m. - Neon Glow Paint Party. DJ Paulie V from Orlando, Fla. hosts this one-of-a-kind bash for kids age 14-18. Come dressed in white and leave covered in colors! Click here for tickets.

Saturday, June 8, 6:00 p.m. - Pops Concert. Call 607-734-7825 for more information.