Jackals Sign Daniels; Marotta Returns From Rochester

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that they have signed forward Justin Daniels. Additionally, goaltender Sam Marotta has returned from loan to Rochester.

Daniels, 25, rejoins the Jackals after playing for Elmira during the 2012-13 season. The Suffern, NY native started this season with Reading and recorded one assist in five games. Daniels did not play last season due to an injury. He notched ten points (four goals, six assists) with Elmira two seasons ago. The 6-foot-2 205-pound forward also skated in six games for the Augusta Riverhawks of the Southern Professional Hockey League during the 2012-13 season. Prior to turning pro, Daniels played three seasons at Northeastern University, recording 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists) in 93 NCAA games. Daniels was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the third round (#62 overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. His twin brother, Drew, played with Justin in Sioux City with the Musketeers of the United States Hockey League. The brothers both attended Northeastern and Drew was also selected by the San Jose Sharks in the seventh round of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Marotta, 23, returns to Elmira after receiving his first professional AHL call-up. He did not appear in either of the two games he dressed for with the Rochester Americans. Marotta has posted a 2-1-1 record with a 2.45 goals-against-average and a .919 save percentage in four games for the Jackals this season. The Bridgewater, Massachusetts native was signed by the Jackals on October 27th. Prior to turning pro, the 6-foot-4 200-pound goaltender appeared in 47 games for Merrimack College and posted a 2.39 goals-against-average and a .917 save percentage.