Jackals Ink a Duo of Defensemen

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that rookie defensemen Isaac MacLeod and Caleb Suderman have signed Standard Player Contracts for the 2014-2015 season.
 
MacLeod, 22, served as an alternate captain and set a career high with 11 assists last year as a senior at Boston College. The hulking 6-foot-5 215-pound blueliner recorded 27 points and 87 penalty minutes in 142 collegiate games. The Nelson, BC native helped Boston College win back-to-back Hockey East championships in 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 as well as the NCAA championship in 2011-2012. He also was named to the Hockey East All-Academic Team as a freshman in 2010-2011.

"Isaac is a big-bodied blueliner with strong hockey sense and mobility," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "He comes from a very productive collegiate program where he achieved great success. Isaac's physical nature and will to win are two of the major reasons why we brought him on board."

Prior to attending Boston College, MacLeod played for the Penticton Vees in the British Columbia Hockey League. He posted 23 assists in 56 games for the Vees in 2009-2010. MacLeod was drafted in the fifth round (#136 overall) in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft by the San Jose Sharks.

"I'm extremely excited to be joining Coach Russell and the rest of the Jackals for the upcoming season," said MacLeod. "I'm looking forward to my first year of pro hockey and playing and improving my game in Elmira."

Suderman, 25, is also entering his first professional season. The 6-foot-2 190-pound defenseman set a career high last season with 16 goals, 14 assists and 30 points in 28 games at Concordia University (NCAA-III). While serving as the captain of the Cobbers, Suderman led the team in goals and finished second in points. Suderman's 16 goals were also tied for first among all NCAA-III defenseman and his 30 points ranked second overall. The Winkler, MB native logged 73 points (35 goals, 38 assists) and 142 penalty minutes in 103 NCAA-III games.

"Caleb is a strong, two-way defenseman who provides stability in his own end and can contribute offensively as well," said Russell. "After getting his feet wet in the ECHL at the end of last season, we are excited to see him take the next step and adjust to the professional ranks."

Suderman did get a taste of the professional ranks at the end of last season when he joined the Greenville Road Warriors following the conclusion of his collegiate career. In 10 games with Greenville Suderman recorded two points (one goal, one assist).

"I am very grateful for this opportunity and excited to be joining the Jackals organization," said Suderman. "I look forward to contributing to a winning season in Elmira in my first full year of professional hockey."

Prior to attending Concordia University, Suderman played for the Winkler Flyers and the Neepawa Natives in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. In 131 career MJHL games, Suderman recorded 94 points (35 goals, 59 assists) and 293 penalty minutes.

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!