Rookies Beaudry and Gagnon Sign With Jackals

ELMIRA, N.Y. -  The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have agreed to terms with rookie forward Michael Beaudry and rookie defenseman Mathieu Gagnon for the 2013-14 season. Both skaters join the Jackals after junior careers in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.

"Michael Beaudry and Mathieu Gagnon are excellent additions to our hockey team. Beaudry is a dynamic offensive player and Gagnon can create a lot of offense from the back end while also playing a sound defensive game. We're excited to watch them develop into great pro players," said Jackals vice president and general manager Robbie Nichols.

Beaudry, 21, finished his junior career with a flourish last year. In  66 games combined between Val d'Or (32) and Acadie-Bathurst (34) he racked up 81 points (34 goals, 47 assists) and a +8 plus/minus rating. Beaudry's point total was good for 20th in the league while he also ranked 20th in goals and 19th in assists.

Listed at 5-8, 170-pounds, Beaudry spent most of his junior career as a center. He debuted as a 16-year-old in 2008 with Rouyn-Noranda and also played for Rimouski for parts of two seasons from 2009 to 2011. In total, Beaudry earned 220 points (79 goals, 141 assists) in 318 games.

"I am excited to be a part of the Jackals because the team and organization offer me the best chance to improve as a player and advance my career. I'm looking forward to working with Coach Mullins, getting better every day, and helping the team compete for a championship," said Beaudry.

Click here for Michael Beaudry's player profile.

Gagnon, no relation to Mathieu Coderre-Gagnon who signed with Fort Wayne, turns pro after finishing with 39 points (11 goals, 28 assists) in 2012-13 which placed him 17th among QMJHL defensemen in scoring. The 6-0, 180-pound blueliner from Gatineau, Quebec had his best year in 2011-12 between Gatineau (40 games) and Chicoutimi (28 games) when he led QMJHL rearguards with 48 assists and finished second overall with 62 points. Gagnon recorded 30 or more points in each of his final three seasons of junior hockey and finished his career with 134 points (30 goals, 104 assists) and a +24 plus/minus rating over 225 games. He also helped lead Gatineau to the QMJHL final in 2011, and Chicoutimi to the semifinals in 2012.

This past summer Gagnon showcased his talents at the Ottawa Senators' annual development camp. While there he skated alongside former Jackals, and Senators prospects, Chris Wideman Wacey Hamilton, and Darren Kramer.

"I'm very happy to have signed my first professional contract with Elmira. While I was at the Ottawa Senators' development camp, I only heard good things about this organization. I can't wait for the season to begin. I want to help Jackals win and I'm ready for to pick up the challenges that lie ahead," said Gagnon.

Click here for Mathieu Gagnon's player profile.

Mark your calendars! The Jackals open their home schedule for their seventh season of ECHL hockey on Friday, October 25 against the Reading Royals at 7:05 p.m. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets. They offer the best discount off of the box office price and come with great benefits like merchandise discounts, exclusive meet-and-greets with the team, ticket exchange, and more. Call 607-734-7825 to order your season tickets today. They start as low as $10 per game!

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UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS:

Thursday, August 15: Gary's Body Shop presents First Arena Comedy Club, 7:30 p.m. - Featuring headliner Mike Speirs. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 day of show.Click here for tickets.

Saturday, August 24: Disney Junior Live! Pirate and Princess Adventure, Shows at 1:00, 4:00, and 7:00 p.m. Tickets start at $26. Click here for tickets.

Friday, September 6: Travis Tritt Live in Concert, Show begins at 7:00 p.m. and tickets start at $29.75. Click here for tickets.