Kea Reassigned To Rochester Marotta Loaned To Rochester; Tassone Activated From Reserve

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and the AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that rookie forward Justin Kea has been reassigned to Rochester by Buffalo. Additionally, goaltender Sam Marotta has been loaned to the Americans and captain Matt Tassone has been activated off of reserve.

Kea, 20, has collected eight points (three goals, five assists) in 13 games this season for the Jackals. The Woodville, Ontario native posted five points (two goals, three assists) in the last four games. This is the first call-up for the 6-foot-4 205-pound forward. Kea was selected in the third round (#73 overall) in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft by the Buffalo Sabres. He spent the last four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit. Kea recorded 117 points (51 goals, 66 assists) and 324 penalty minutes in 253 OHL games.

  

Marotta, 23, 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.

Tassone, 25, has been out of the lineup since leaving in the first period on November 5th. The St. Albert, Alberta native has notched nine points (five goals, four assists) in six games for the Jackals this season. All nine of Tassone's points have been accumulated in his last four games played. The 6-foot-2 210-pound forward was named the Sher-Wood Hockey ECHL Player of the Week for October 27-November 2. 

To donate directly to the Jackals Movember fundraiser visit http://us.movember.com/mospace/index/search?q=elmira+jackals. There will also be donation containers located inside Splitrock Brew Pub and at the concession stands during all Jackals home games this month.