Jackals Shutout By Carruth, Fuel 3-0

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - January 31, 2015 - The Jackals could not solve Indy goaltender Mac Carruth and fell 3-0 despite out-shooting the Fuel 41-18 tonight at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum.
The Fuel struck first at 2:58 of the opening frame when Kyle Stroh won a face-off back to Garett Bembridge, who snapped a seeing-eye shot through traffic and past Sam Marotta. Later in the frame, Stroh carried the puck down the right side and ran into Marotta as he tried to muscle to the net. Marotta would stay in the game, but would be replaced after the second period by Justin Sand. Even though the Jackals out-shot the Fuel 17-7 in the first period, Indy took a 1-0 lead into the intermission.

The Jackals continued to pepper Carruth in the second period, but the Indy netminder turned aside each shot sent his way. With 59 seconds remaining in the middle frame, Kirill Gotovets fired a shot from the left circle through traffic and past Marotta. Despite holding a 27-12 shot advantage after two periods, the Jackals trailed 2-0.

Justin Sand made his first appearance in the ECHL in the third period, replacing the injured Sam Marotta and turned aside five of six shots faced. The lone goal in the final frame was scored when Justin Holl squeaked one past Sand on the power-play. The Jackals continued to fire rubber to the net, but were stoned by Carruth 14 times in the period.

Marotta turned aside 10 of 12 shots faced in 40 minutes of action but was handed the loss and Sand stopped five of six shots faced. Carruth stopped all 41 shots faced to earn his second shutout of the season.

Jackals Finish Road Trip With First Meeting Against Fuel

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, complete the last leg of their six-game road trip tonight in Indianapolis with their first ever meeting against the Fuel.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (23-16-5) at Indy Fuel - Chicago/NHL & Rockford/AHL (14-22-7) 

  

WHAT: Jackals Away Game #26.

WHEN: 7:35 p.m. EST 
 

WHERE: Indiana Farmers Coliseum - 1202 East 38th Street Indianapolis, IN 46205

The Jackals complete their six-game road trip with their first ever visit to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tonight's tilt marks the first of four meetings this season and the first of two in Indianapolis. The Jackals will host the Fuel at First Arena on February 20th and 21st before returning to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on April 5th for the final meeting of the season. The Indy Fuel joined the ECHL this season as an expansion franchise when Jim and Sean Hallett brought hockey back to Indianapolis. The Indy Fuel are affiliated with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and AHL's Rockford IceHogs. The Jackals are 4-1-0 on their current road swing.

Jackals Clash With Komets In Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, IN - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, travel to Fort Wayne, Indiana for their first meeting of the season against the Komets.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (22-16-5) at Fort Wayne Komets - Colorado/NHL & Lake Erie/AHL (28-9-3) 

  

WHAT: Jackals Away Game #25.

WHEN: 8:00 p.m. EST 
 

WHERE: Memorial Coliseum - 1010 Memorial Way Fort Wayne, IN 46805

The Jackals roll into Fort Wayne, Indiana to clash with the Komets for the first of three meetings this season, and the first of two at Memorial Coliseum. Last season, the Jackals and Komets faced off seven times and Elmira earned five wins. The last meeting between these two foes occurred on January 31st at the Memorial Coliseum. Artem Demkov and Mike Vaskivuo paved the way offensively with three points apiece, including each notching an assist on Jakub Culek's game-tying goal in the third period. Dane Walters was the hero for the Jackals with the game-winner in overtime. Neil Conway made 37 saves in the winning effort. The Jackals are 7-3-0 all-time against Fort Wayne.

Jackals Win Nail-Biter In Fort Wayne, 2-1

FORT WAYNE, IN - The Jackals displayed their resilient nature tonight with a hard-fought 2-1 win against the Fort Wayne Komets. The Komets scored just 2:10 into the game, but Sam Marotta and the Jackals shut the door the rest of the way. Zach Tolkinen and Mike Seidel netted the goals for Elmira tonight.

Fort Wayne jumped ahead early when C.J. Severyn knotted his fifth goal of the season just 2:10 into play. Reid Petryk and William Lacasse earned the assists on Severyn's opening marker. Sam Marotta stood tall following that goal and made some stellar saves in the opening frame to keep the Komets' lead at one. Then, at 16:35 of the period, the Jackals would receive some luck when Ryan Rashid's shot took a fortunate bounce off of Zach Tolkinen's skate and past Komets' netminder Roman Will. Tolkinen now has three goals on the season, with all three coming in the last five games. The Lino Lakes, Minnesota native has four points in five games on the current road trip. Justin Daniels also added an assist on Tolkinen's tally. Daniels was suiting up against his twin brother, Drew, who is a defenseman for the Komets. The Daniels' brothers played together in Sioux City of the United Stated Hockey League and at Northeastern University before turning pro. Daniels earned a short-handed penalty shot late in the second period, but was stopped by Will.

The Jackals stifled the Komets in the second period, allowing just five shots on goal. The lone goal of the frame came at 10:03 when Mike Seidel buried his 11th goal of the season on the power-play. Matt MacKenzie's point shot was blocked in front and Riley Wetmore swatted it out of mid-air on net. Will made the save, but the rebound popped out to Seidel, who was waiting for the loose change. The Jackals out-shot the Komets 10-5 in the middle frame.

In the third period, the Jackals had to kill off three penalties and withstand Fort Wayne's pressure. Overall, the Jackals killed off all seven penalties against the Komets' fourth-best home power-play in the ECHL. Sam Marotta turned aside all eight shots he faced in the final frame of regulation to preserve the Jackals 2-1 win.

Marotta stopped 22 of 23 shots faced and earned his ninth win of the season. Will allowed two goals on 22 shots faced and was handed the loss.

The Jackals finish their six-game road trip tomorrow night at 7:35 p.m. EST in Indianapolis with their first ever meeting against the Fuel. Elmira is 4-1-0 on its current road swing.

McPherson and Fullerton Head To Rochester

FORT WAYNE, IN - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that rookie forward Allan McPherson has been recalled by Rochester and goaltender Travis Fullerton has been loaned to the Americans.

McPherson, 23, heads to Rochester for his second AHL stint of the season. The Kinburn, Ontario native was assigned to Elmira by Rochester on January 22nd and, in four games with the Jackals, he posted seven assists. McPherson has recorded 22 points (eight goals, 14 assists) in 22 games with the Jackals this season. The rookie forward has also skated in 18 games with Rochester this season. Prior to turning pro, McPherson spent the previous four seasons at Clarkson University. In 150 NCAA games, McPherson reached the 100-point club, amassing 103 points (41 goals, 62 assists). He was a two-time MVP at Clarkson, earning the award in his junior and senior seasons and was also a two-time leading scorer.

Fullerton, 27, heads to Rochester for his third call-up this season. He has appeared in 25 games with the Jackals this season, posting a 14-5-4 record with a 2.55 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage. Last season, Fullerton appeared in 45 games for the Las Vegas Wranglers, collecting a record of 14-22-6, with a 3.26 goals-against-average and a .910 save percentage. In 72 career ECHL games with San Francisco, Las Vegas and Elmira, the Riverview, New Brunswick native has posted a 28-27-11 record with a 2.99 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.

Additionally, the Jackals announced today that they have signed goaltender Justin Sand as an emergency backup goaltender.

In a separate transaction, on Tuesday, the Jackals released forward Andrew Conboy from his Standard Player Contract. Conboy has been suspended for 20 games and fined an undisclosed amount as a result of his actions in ECHL Game #893, Elmira at Brampton, on Jan. 25. Per ECHL Playing Rule #60 (a) he is not eligible to play in the ECHL until March 21.

Jackals Storm Past Cyclones In Third Period Comeback

CINCINNATI, OH - Lucas Bloodoff recorded his first professional multi-point effort with two goals and an assist in tonight's come-from-behind 4-2 win against the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Even though the Jackals out-shot the Cyclones 11-5 in the first period, and didn't allow a shot on goal for over seven minutes to start the game, the game remained scoreless through the first frame. Despite no goals in the opening stanza, there were fireworks when Justin Sawyer dropped the gloves with Christiaan Minella and reigned rights down on his dance partner.

Cincinnati would strike first at 6:49 of the second period with Josh Shalla's team-leading 16th goal of the season. Chris Reed moved the puck ahead to Branden Gracel, who found Shalla streaming down the left side. Travis Fullerton stopped Shalla's first shot, but the Cyclones' forward found the rebound and deposited it for the game's first marker. Just 22 seconds later Taylor Stefishen would capitalize on a centering feed from Ryan Rashid on the rush to tie the game 1-1. Matt Tassone started the attack down the right wing side before sliding the puck over to Rashid, who found Stefishen for his eighth goal of the season. Geoff Irwin would give the Cyclones the lead going into the second intermission with his 11th goal of the season. Josh McFadden and Shayne Taker earned the assists on Irwin's power-play goal.

The Jackals opened the third period on the power-play and took advantage of the opportunity to claw back into the game. Lucas Bloodoff was left alone in front and buried his fourth goal of the season just 47 seconds into the final regulation frame. Allan McPherson and Mike Seidel were credited with the helpers on Bloodoff's power-play tally. The same trio would combine for another goal at 8:08 of the third period when Bloodoff worked the puck to McPherson below the goal-line and he found Seidel streaking into the slot for his 10th goal of the season. The Jackals played shut-down defense the rest of the period and sealed the deal when Bloodoff popped in the empty-net goal with 20 seconds left. Seidel and Mike Bergin earned the assists on Bloodoff's second goal of the night and fifth of the season.

Travis Fullerton made 22 saves on 24 shots faced to earn his 14th win of the season. Sam Brittain allowed three goals on 33 shots and was handed the loss.

Jackals Continue Road Swing In Cincinnati

CINCINNATI, OH - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, visit Cincinnati for the third and final time this season. The Jackals are 1-1-0 against Cincinnati this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (21-16-5) at Cincinnati Cyclones - Nashville & Florida/NHL & San Antonio & Milwaukee/AHL (19-15-4) 
  
WHAT: Jackals Away Game #24.

WHEN: 7:35 p.m. EST 

WHERE: U.S. Bank Arena - 100 Broadway Cincinnati, OH 45202

The Jackals enter Cincinnati to take on the Cyclones for the third of four meetings this season, including the third and final meeting at U.S. Bank Arena. Elmira's last stop in the Queen City resulted in a weekend split with the Cyclones. In the season's first meeting, the Jackals were stunned 45 seconds into play as Stephan Vigier directed the puck past Travis Fullerton. But, the pesky Jackals clawed back and received goals from Steven Shamanski and Mitch Holmberg 62 seconds apart late in the opening frame. Vigier tied the game in the second period, but Brodie Reid proved to be the hero with the game-winning goal in the third period. Rob Madore stole the show the next night, shutting out the Jackals in a 2-0 win. Christiaan Minella and Branden Gracel scored in the Cyclones' victory. The Jackals are 21-14-6 all-time against Cincinnati.

Jackals Weekly Release 1/27-2/1

 ELMIRA, N.Y.  - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, continue their six-game road trip on Wednesday in Cincinnati, followed by visits to Fort Wayne and Indy on Friday and Saturday.

Last Week's Record: 2-1-0
Overall Record: 21-16-5; fourth place in East Division, sixth place in Eastern Conference

Leaders:
Goals: Matt Tassone (14)
Assists: Steven Shamanski & Justin Daniels (17)
Points: Steven Shamanski (28)
+/-: Matt Tassone (+15)
PIMs: Justin Sawyer (85)
PPG: Steven Shamanski (5)
SHG: Matt Tassone, Taylor Stefishen, Ryan Rashid, Mike Seidel & Zach Tolkinen (1)
Wins: Travis Fullerton (13)
GAA: Sam Marotta (2.56)
SVP: Sam Marotta (.913)

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

1/28 at Cincinnati Cyclones - 7:35 p.m. EST
Home vs. CIN 0-0-0, Away vs. CIN 1-1-0
The Jackals enter Cincinnati to take on the Cyclones for the third of four meetings this season, including the third and final meeting at U.S. Bank Arena. Elmira's last stop in the Queen City resulted in a weekend split with the Cyclones. In the season's first meeting, the Jackals were stunned 45 seconds into play as Stephan Vigier directed the puck past Travis Fullerton. But, the pesky Jackals clawed back and received goals from Steven Shamanski and Mitch Holmberg 62 seconds apart late in the opening frame. Vigier tied the game in the second period, but Brodie Reid proved to be the hero with the game-winning goal in the third period. Rob Madore stole the show the next night, shutting out the Jackals in a 2-0 win. Christiaan Minella and Branden Gracel scored in the Cyclones' victory. The Jackals are 21-14-6 all-time against Cincinnati.

1/30 at Fort Wayne Komets - 8:00 p.m. EST
Home vs. FW 0-0-0, Away vs. FW 0-0-0
The Jackals roll into Fort Wayne, Indiana to clash with the Komets for the first of three meetings this season, and the first of two at Memorial Coliseum. Last season, the Jackals and Komets faced off seven times and Elmira earned five wins. The last meeting between these two foes occurred on January 31st at the Memorial Coliseum. Artem Demkov and Mike Vaskivuo paved the way offensively with three points apiece, including each notching an assist on Jakub Culek's game-tying goal in the third period. Dane Walters was the hero for the Jackals with the game-winner in overtime. Neil Conway made 37 saves in the winning effort. The Jackals are 7-3-0 all-time against Fort Wayne.

1/31 at Indy Fuel - 7:35 p.m. EST
Home vs. IND 0-0-0, Away vs. IND 0-0-0
The Jackals complete their six-game road trip with their first ever visit to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum in Indianapolis, Indiana. Saturday's tilt marks the first of four meetings this season and the second of two in Indianapolis. The Jackals will host the Fuel at First Arena on February 20th and 21st before returning to the Indiana Farmers Coliseum on April 5th for the final meeting of the season. The Indy Fuel joined the ECHL this season as an expansion franchise when Jim and Sean Hallett brought hockey back to Indianapolis. The Indy Fuel are affiliated with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks and AHL's Rockford IceHogs.

Recapping Last Week:

1/23 at Brampton Beast: W 3-1

Zach Tolkinen's first professional goal proved to be the game-winner in the Jackals 3-1 win in their first ever visit to the Powerade Centre. The first period flew by without either team potting the game's first goal. After 20 minute of action, Brampton led Elmira 10-8 in shots. The second period ended like the first, with a 0-0 tie on the scoreboard. The Jackals out-shot the Beast 12-7 in the middle frame and 20-17 overall through 40 minutes, but could not break through Brampton's netminder, Trevor Cann. On the other end, Sam Marotta turned aside all 17 shots he faced through the first two periods. Steven Shamanski, who represented the Jackals in the ECHL All-Star Game, broke the scoreless tie with a blast past Cann off a power-play faceoff at 2:32 of the third period. Shamanski's 10th goal of the year was assisted by Ryan Rashid and Allan McPherson. However, just 65 seconds later Jason Pitton notched his 14th goal of the year and tied the game 1-1. Then, at 10:24 of the frame Zach Tolkinen snapped a shot past Cann and put the Jackals ahead with his first professional goal. Kevin Hart and McPherson registered the assists on Tolkinen's first of the season. Ryan Rashid tapped in the empty-net goal with 10 seconds remaining to seal the Jackals 3-1 victory.

1/24 at Brampton Beast: W 4-2

The Jackals received goals from four different players and cruised to a 4-2 victory over Brampton at the Powerade Centre. After waiting until the third period last night for the game's first goal, Justin Kea and Matt MacKenzie helped the Jackals score out of the starting block tonight against the Beast. Kea's fourth goal of the season came at 5:21 of the opening frame when he deposited the loose change in front and got the Jackals on the board first. Justin Daniels and Thomas Nesbitt assisted Kea's marker. Jason Pitton answered for Brampton on the power-play and tied the game 1-1 at 11:19 of the first period. Matt MacKenzie, who was assigned to Elmira from Rochester today, capitalized on a feed from Allan McPherson on the pwer-play at 18:22 of the opening frame to put the Jackals ahead 2-1. Steven Shamanski also assisted MacKenzie's first goal of the season. The Jackals extended their lead in the second period, courtesy of Shamanski's 11th goal of the season. Taylor Stefishen and McPherson assisted Shamanski's marker and the Jackals took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission. In the third period. Andrew Conboy buried on the power-play at 5:59 of the final regulation frame to put the Jackals comfortably ahead 4-1. Riley Wetmore and Zach Tolkinen added helpers on Conboy's fourth goal of the season. David Ling added a power-play goal for Brampton at 15:39 of the third period, but it was too little too late for the home squad.

1/25 at Brampton Beast: L 1-4

The Jackals came up short in their search for the weekend sweep as they fell 4-1 in their Sunday matinee against the Brampton Beast. The Jackals entered the contest without trailing Brampton all season, but Chad Painchaud changed that at 16:43 of the opening frame. Bobby Hughes, who finished with four points, fed the puck ahead for Jason Pitton and the Beast's leading goal-scorer played role reversal with Painchaud, who leads Brampton in assists, with a backdoor feed on a two-on-one. In the second period, Hughes capitalized twice and extended Brampton's lead to 3-0. Hughes buried a wrist shot past Jackals netminder Sam Marotta from the right circle for his fourth goal of the season. Hughes would net his second goal of the game and fifth of the season on the power-play at 18:36 of the second period. The tempers began to boil as the game progressed and Andrew Conboy's net-front presence drew the attention of Stephon Thorne, which resulted in two-minute roughing penalties and 10-minute misconducts for each player. Conboy and Thorne would return for the third period, but at 10:23 of the final frame Conboy ran into Cal Wild and the boiling point burst into a chaotic scene. Conboy was given a five-minute major penalty for cross-checking, a five-minute match penalty for attempting to injure an opponent and a game misconduct. Wild received a two-minute minor for roughing. The Jackals were left short-handed for the remainder of regulation as they attempted to come back from a three-goal deficit. Zach Tolkinen breathed some life into the comeback effort with a shorthanded goal at 12:25 of the period, but that would be as close as the Jackals would come. Maione added a power-play goal at 19:24 to seal the win for the Beast.

Quick Hits:

* Sam Marotta leads all rookie goaltenders with a 2.56 goals-against-average and ranks second with a .913 save percentage.

* Steven Shamanski leads all rookie defensemen with 11 goals, 13 power-play points and 28 points. The Carberry, MB native ranks second among all ECHL defensemen in goals, tied for first in power-play goals and power-play points.

* Elmira is 17-4-3 when scoring first.

* Elmira is 14-0-2 when leading after two periods.

* Matt Tassone leads the league with seven first goals.

Jackals Stumble In Weekend Finale Against Brampton

BRAMPTON, ON - The Jackals came up short in their search for the weekend sweep as they fell 4-1 in today's Sunday matinee against the Brampton Beast. However, Elmira did take two out of three games versus the Beast this weekend and finished the season series with a 5-1-0 record.

The Jackals entered today's contest without trailing Brampton all season, but Chad Painchaud changed that at 16:43 of the opening frame. Bobby Hughes, who finished with four points, fed the puck ahead for Jason Pitton and the Beast's leading goal-scorer played role reversal with Painchaud, who leads Brampton in assists, with a backdoor feed on a two-on-one. Brampton out-shot the Jackals 11-7 in the opening stanza.

In the second period, Hughes capitalized twice and extended Brampton's lead to 3-0. His first goal of the night came at 3:27 of the middle frame. Hughes buried a wrist shot past Jackals netminder Sam Marotta from the right circle for his fourth goal of the season. Mathew Maione and Brayden Rose assisted Hughes' even-strength marker. Hughes would net his second goal of the game and fifth of the season on the power-play at 18:36 of the second period. Pitton and Painchaud were credited with the helpers. The tempers began to boil as the game progressed and Andrew Conboy's net-front presence drew the attention of Stephon Thorne, which resulted in two-minute roughing penalties and 10-minute misconducts for each player.

Conboy and Thorne would return for the third period, but at 10:23 of the final frame Conboy ran into Cal Wild and the boiling point burst into a chaotic scene. Conboy was given a five-minute major penalty for cross-checking, a five-minute match penalty for attempting to injure an opponent and a game misconduct. Wild received a two-minute minor for roughing. The Jackals were left short-handed for the remainder of regulation as they attempted to come back from a three-goal deficit. Zach Tolkinen breathed some life into the comeback effort with a shorthanded goal at 12:25 of the period, but that would be as close as the Jackals would come. Maione added a power-play goal at 19:24 to seal the win for the Beast. Tyler Donati and Hughes added the assists on Maione's eighth goal of the season.

Sam Marotta turned aside 29 of 33 shots faced but was handed the loss. Trevor Cann stopped 25 of 26 shots faced and earned the win.

Jackals Eye Canadian Sweep Today In Brampton

BRAMPTON, ON - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, pay their final visit of the season to the Powerade Centre to take on the Brampton Beast for the sixth and last matchup this year. The Jackals are 5-0-0 against Brampton this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (21-15-5) at Brampton Beast - Independent/NHL & Independent/AHL (12-23-2) 

  

WHAT: Jackals Away Game #23.

WHEN: 2:00 p.m. EST 
 

WHERE: Powerade Centre - 7575 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 4T2

Today the Jackals finish their season series against the Brampton Beast with the sixth meeting of the year, and the third contest at the Powerade Centre. Four different Jackals scored last night in the team's 4-2 victory, which pushed their record to 5-0-0 against the Beast. Justin Kea started the scoring in the first period and before the end of the opening stanza Matt MacKenzie added his first goal of the season. Steven Shamanski and Andrew Conboy also scored for the Jackals and Travis Fullerton turned aside 33 shots for the victory. In the first game of their three-game road set in Brampton, Ontario, the Jackals scored three goals in the third period to power past the Beast, 3-1. Steven Shamanski potted his 10th goal of the season to put the Jackals up 1-0 in the third period. The Beast quickly tied it up, but Zach Tolkinen's first professional goal put the Jackals ahead for good.

 

Jackals Cruise Past Brampton, 4-2

BRAMPTON, ON - The Jackals received goals from four different players and cruised to a 4-2 victory over Brampton tonight at the Powerade Centre.

After waiting until the third period last night for the game's first goal, Justin Kea and Matt MacKenzie helped the Jackals score out of the starting block tonight against the Beast. Kea's fourth goal of the season came at 5:21 of the opening frame when he deposited the loose change in front and got the Jackals on the board first. Justin Daniels and Thomas Nesbitt assisted Kea's marker. Jason Pitton answered for Brampton on the power-play and tied the game 1-1 at 11:19 of the first period. Matt MacKenzie, who was assigned to Elmira from Rochester today, capitalized on a feed from Allan McPherson on the pwer-play at 18:22 of the opening frame to put the Jackals ahead 2-1. Steven Shamanski also assisted MacKenzie's first goal of the season.

The Jackals extended their lead in the second period, courtesy of Shamanski's 11th goal of the season. Taylor Stefishen and McPherson assisted Shamanski's marker and the Jackals took a 3-1 lead into the second intermission.

In the third period. Andrew Conboy buried on the power-play at 5:59 of the final regulation frame to put the Jackals comfortably ahead 4-1. Riley Wetmore and Zach Tolkinen added helpers on Conboy's fourth goal of the season. David Ling added a power-play goal for Brampton at 15:39 of the third period, but it was too little too late for the home squad.

Travis Fullerton made 33 saves for the win and Grant Rollheiser allowed four goals on 23 shots for the loss.

MacKenzie Joins Jackals In Brampton

BRAMPTON, ON - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that defenseman Matt MacKenzie has been reassigned to Elmira from Rochester.

MacKenzie, 23, has recorded 11 penalty minutes in three games with the Jackals this season. He has also recorded one goal and four points in 23 games with Rochester this year. The Burnaby, British Columbia native set career highs with the Americans last season, posting 10 points (two goals, eight assists) and 84 penalty minutes in 64 games. MacKenzie has registered 22 points (three goals, 19 assists) and 179 penalty minutes in 137 career AHL games with Rochester. He was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round (83rd overall) of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft.

Jackals Look To Continue Winning Ways In Brampton

BRAMPTON, ON - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, take on the Brampton Beast tonight in the second of a three-game set at the Powerade Centre. The Jackals are 4-0-0 against Brampton this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (20-15-5) at Brampton Beast - Independent/NHL & Independent/AHL (12-22-2) 
  
WHAT: Jackals Away Game #22.

WHEN: 7:00 p.m. EST 

WHERE: Powerade Centre - 7575 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 4T2

Tonight the Jackals take on the Brampton Beast for the fifth meeting this season, and the second of a three-game road set. Last night the Jackals scored three goals in the third period to power past the Beast 3-1. Steven Shamanski potted his 10th goal of the season last night to put the Jackals up 1-0 in the third period. The Beast quickly tied it up, but Zach Tolkinen's first professional goal put the Jackals ahead for good. Ryan Rashid added the empty-net goal and extended his point streak to six games. Last night was the first ever meeting in Brampton between the Jackals and the Beast. Elmira swept the three games played this season at First Arena. Thomas Nesbitt scored 57 seconds into the contest on January 9th and the Jackals notched three more goals in the second period and cruised to a 4-1 victory. Ryan Rashid scored twice and finished with four points, while Mike Bergin scored his first ECHL goal.

Jackals Score Three In Third; Defeat Brampton 3-1

BRAMPTON, ON - Zach Tolkinen's first professional goal proved to be the game-winner in the Jackals 3-1 win in their first ever visit to the Powerade Centre.

The first period flew by without either team potting the game's first goal. After 20 minute of action, Brampton led Elmira 10-8 in shots.

The second period ended like the first, with a 0-0 tie on the scoreboard. The Jackals out-shot the Beast 12-7 in the middle frame and 20-17 overall through 40 minutes, but could not break through Brampton's netminder, Trevor Cann. On the other end, Sam Marotta turned aside all 17 shots he faced through the first two periods.

Steven Shamanski, who represented the Jackals in the ECHL All-Star Game this week, broke the scoreless tie with a blast past Cann off a power-play faceoff at 2:32 of the third period. Shamanski's 10th goal of the year was assisted by Ryan Rashid and Allan McPherson. However, just 65 seconds later Jason Pitton notched his 14th goal of the year and tied the game 1-1. Then, at 10:24 of the frame Zach Tolkinen snapped a shot past Cann and put the Jackals ahead with his first professional goal. Kevin Hart and McPherson registered the assists on Tolkinen's first of the season. Ryan Rashid tapped in the empty-net goal with 10 seconds remaining to seal the Jackals 3-1 victory.

Sam Marotta turned aside 19 shots for the victory. Cann allowed two goals on 35 shots and was handed the loss.

Jackals Head North Of The Border For First Visit To Brampton

BRAMPTON, ON - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, pay their first ever visit to Brampton, Ontario tonight to take on the Beast. The Jackals are 3-0-0 at home against Brampton this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (19-15-5) at Brampton Beast - Independent/NHL & Independent/AHL (12-21-2) 
  
WHAT: Jackals Away Game #21.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. EST 

WHERE: Powerade Centre - 7575 Kennedy Road South, Brampton, ON L6W 4T2

The Jackals travel north to Brampton, Ontario for their first ever meeting in Brampton. Tonight's game marks the fourth meeting this season between the Jackals and Beast. Elmira swept the three games played this season at First Arena. Thomas Nesbitt scored 57 seconds into the last meeting on January 9th and the Jackals notched three more goals in the second period and cruised to a 4-1 victory. Ryan Rashid scored twice and finished with four points, while Mike Bergin scored his first ECHL goal. The previous meeting on November 1st resulted in a 5-3 Jackals win courtesy of four-point nights from Taylor Stefishen, Matt Tassone and Brayden Irwin. Also, Sam Marotta made 29 saves in his professional debut to earn his first win. Elmira's first ever meeting against Brampton resulted in a 3-2 overtime Jackals victory on October 31st. Matt Tassone scored a goal-of-the-year candidate, Kevin Hart notched his first professional goal and Brayden Irwin buried the game-winner.

Jackals Receive Two From Rochester

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that rookie forward Justin Kea has been reassigned to Elmira by Buffalo from Rochester and rookie forward Allan McPherson has also been reassigned to Elmira from Rochester.

Kea, 20, returns to Elmira following his second AHL call-up this season. He has collected eight points (three goals, five assists) in 25 games this season for the Jackals. Kea has also appeared in three games with Rochester this year. He spent the last four seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Saginaw Spirit, recording 117 points (51 goals, 66 assists) and 324 penalty minutes in 253 OHL games. Kea was selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the third round (#73 overall) of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.

McPherson, 23, rejoins the Jackals after his first AHL stint of the season. He has collected 15 points (eight goals, seven assists) in 18 games with the Jackals this year. McPherson was recalled by Rochester on November 29th and skated in 18 games with the Americans this season. The Kinburn, Ontario native spent the previous four seasons at Clarkson University. In 150 NCAA games, McPherson reached the 100-point club, amassing 103 points (41 goals, 62 assists). He was a two-time MVP at Clarkson, earning the award in his junior and senior seasons and was also a two-time leading scorer.

Tuzzolino Loaned To Binghamton

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that veteran defenseman Nick Tuzzolino has been loaned to the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League.

Tuzzolino, 29, has earned his second AHL call-up this season after posting 13 points (two goals, 11 assists) and 84 penalty minutes in 38 games for the Jackals. He skated in one game with the Utica Comets on November 12th in his first call-up. In 338 career ECHL games combined between Elmira, Alaska, Utah, Wheeling and Fort Wayne, the 6-foot-6 225-pound blueliner has collected 166 points (37 goals, 129 assists) and 829 penalty minutes. Tuzzolino has also logged 87 AHL games with Rochester, Utica, Abbotsford, Lake Erie and Portland. In total, the Buffalo, New York native has played in 507 professional hockey games split between the ECHL, AHL, UHL and IHL.

Before turning pro, Tuzzolino played three seasons in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarina Sting and Sudbury Wolves, registering 70 points (13 goals, 57 assists) and 338 penalty minutes in 168 games. He also skated for one season with the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League. He was drafted by the New York Islanders in the seventh round (#196 overall) of the 2005 NHL Entry Draft. 

Tassone Returns To Elmira

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that forward Matt Tassone has been returned to the club from Rochester.

Tassone, 25, returns to Elmira following his second call-up to Rochester this season. In his last game with the Americans, Tassone notched his second career AHL goal and also added a fight. In three games with Rochester this season, the 6-foot-2 210-pound forward has recorded one goal and seven penalty minutes. The Jackals' team captain leads Elmira with 14 goals and a plus-15 rating in 24 games this season. In 150 career ECHL games with Elmira, Las Vegas, Ontario and Idaho, the St. Albert, Alberta native has collected 88 points (43 goals, 45 assists). Tassone has also appeared in 13 AHL games with the Lake Erie Monsters and 14 CHL games with the Arizona Sundogs and the Wichita Thunder.

Prior to turning pro, Tassone played 187 games with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. He recorded 73 goals, 46 assists and 343 penalty minutes in four seasons with the Broncos. Tassone was drafted by the Dallas Stars with the 176th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Jackals Weekly Release 1/20-1/25

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, pay their first ever visit north of the border for three games against the Brampton Beast.

Last Week's Record: 1-1-1
Overall Record: 19-15-5; fourth place in East Division, sixth place in Eastern Conference

Leaders:
Goals: x Matt Tassone (14)
Assists: Steven Shamanski & Justin Daniels (16)
Points: Steven Shamanski (25)
+/-: x Matt Tassone (+15)
PIMs: Nick Tuzzolino (84)
PPG: x Matt Tassone, Steven Shamanski & Taylor Stefishen (4)
SHG: x Matt Tassone, Taylor Stefishen, Ryan Rashid, Andrew Conboy & Mike Seidel (1)
Wins: Travis Fullerton (12)
GAA: Sam Marotta (2.56)
SVP: Sam Marotta (.914)

Previewing the Upcoming Week:
 

1/23 at Brampton - 7:30 p.m.; 1/24 at Brampton - 7:00 p.m.; 1/25 at Brampton - 2:00 p.m.
Home vs. BRM 3-0-0, Away vs. BRM 0-0-0
The Jackals travel north to Brampton, Ontario for their first ever meeting in Brampton. Friday's game marks the fourth meeting this season between the Jackals and Beast. Elmira swept the three games played this season at First Arena. Thomas Nesbitt scored 57 seconds into the last meeting on January 9th and the Jackals notched three more goals in the second period and cruised to a 4-1 victory. Ryan Rashid scored twice and finished with four points, while Mike Bergin scored his first ECHL goal. The previous meeting on November 1st resulted in a 5-3 Jackals win courtesy of four-point nights from Taylor Stefishen, Matt Tassone and Brayden Irwin. Also, Sam Marotta made 29 saves in his professional debut to earn his first win. Elmira's first ever meeting against Brampton resulted in a 3-2 overtime Jackals victory on October 31st. Matt Tassone scored a goal-of-the-year candidate, Kevin Hart notched his first professional goal and Brayden Irwin buried the game-winner.

Recapping Last Week:

1/16 vs. Reading Royals: W 4-2

The Jackals jumped ahead 3-0 in the first period against the Reading Royals and cruised to a 4-2 victory over their East Division rival. Mike Seidel and Taylor Stefishen made their returns to the Jackals' lineup tonight and provided an offensive boost right off the bat. Less than seven minutes into regulation, Seidel weaved into the offensive zone, slipped past a defender on the backhand and moved the puck to the forehand for a top-shelf shot past Royals' netminder Connor Knapp. Riley Wetmore and Andrew Conboy earned the assists on Seidel's eighth goal of the season. Just a mere 42 seconds later the Jackals would double their lead. Ryan Rashid continued his hot streak and buried for the third straight game with a redirect off of Taylor Stefishen's centering feed for his eighth goal of the year. Andrew Conboy would increase the Jackals' lead to three at 12:25 of the first period with an unassisted short-handed tally. Elmira would reestablish its three-goal lead at 8:14 of the third period with Steven Shamanski's ninth goal of the season. Keith Buehler chipped the puck out of the Jackals' end along the wall to Thomas Nesbitt, who was swinging through the zone. Nesbitt carried the puck down the left-wing side with speed and dished a backhand feed to Shamanski who deposited the puck past Joe Howe, who replaced Knapp in the first period, with a silky backhand move.

1/17 vs. Reading Royals: SOL 3-4
After jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period last night, the Jackals would concede the game's opening marker to a former player. Maxim Lamarche put the Royals on the board with his second goal of the season at 8:05 of the first period. The Jackals stormed out in the second period and flipped the script on the Royals. Thomas Nesbitt was the beneficiary of a beautiful backdoor feed from Ryan Rashid on a two-on-one rush. Rashid blocked a point shot at the Jackals' blue line and hustled down the left-wing side with the puck before passing it over to Nesbitt for his seventh goal of the season. Just 30 seconds later Colin Jacobs entered the Royals' zone and dropped the puck to Mitch Holmberg at the top of the right circle who whistled a wrist shot top-shelf past Connor Knapp. Holmberg's fifth goal of the season swung the momentum to the Jackals' side. Later in the second period, Mike Seidel snuck behind the defense, broke in from the blueline and buried on the breakaway to increase the Jackals lead to two. Seidel's ninth goal of the season, and second in as many nights, was assisted by Riley Wetmore and Justin Daniels. The Jackals tightened up defensively in the third period, but a bad bounce and a controversial call caused a turn in the contest. At 6:41 of the final regulation frame, Sean Wiles slipped behind the Jackals' defense, but could not corral the puck and lost it into the corner. As he went into the corner, Wiles threw the puck back towards the slot, which bounced off of Kevin Hart and into the Jackals' net. The Royals upped their press with the Jackals' lead cut down to one and a controversial goal call at 14:06 would alter the outcome. Olivier Labelle played a bouncing puck in the slot off of his skate and past Travis Fullerton, which was signaled a goal by the referees. After a short conversation between the referees, as a video replay showed a kicking motion on the scoreboard, the call stood and the game was tied 3-3. Neither team would score the game-winner in the remainder of regulation, nor the five-minute overtime frame, so the game would go to a shootout. Pat Mullane and Sean Wiles scored for the Royals and Knapp stopped all four shooters he faced to seal the Royals' comeback win.

1/19 at Reading Royals: L 2-4

The Jackals jumped ahead of the Royals with a power-play goal on their first man advantage at 9:41 of the first period. Nesbitt received a feed from Taylor Stefishen while stationed on the goal-line, then worked it to Kevin Hart at the point, and received a return pass at the top of the circle before firing a wrist shot past Connor Knapp. Nesbitt's eighth goal of the season extends his point streak to six games. Three minutes later the Royals would respond on their own first power-play opportunity. Mike Marcou beat Travis Fullerton with a slap shot from the point for his fourth goal of the season. Zach Davies and Ryan Cruthers earned the assists on Marcou's power-play goal. Reading would strike once more in the opening frame when Ian Watters collected a turnover in the Jackals' end and found Olivier Labelle in the high slot for a quick snap shot over the shoulder of Fullerton. Despite getting out-shot 13-6 in the second period, the Jackals would notch the lone goal in the frame. Ryan Rashid and Nesbitt established control deep in Reading's end and Nesbitt found Keith Buehler streaking into the slot. Buehler sniped it top-shelf with a quick shot past Knapp's glove for his second goal of the season. Rashid's helper extended his point streak to five games. The game went to the third period tied 2-2 and remained knotted until 12:17 of the frame when Olivier Labelle recorded his second goal of the night on the power-play. Pat Mullane and Maxim Lamarche assisted Labelle's team-leading 14th goal of the season. The Jackals pushed for the tying goal, but Matt Hatch's fifth marker of the season at 18:43 provided Reading with the cushion it needed.

Quick Hits:

* Sam Marotta leads all rookie goaltenders with a 2.56 goals-against-average and ranks second with a .914 save percentage.

* Steven Shamanski leads all rookie defensemen with nine goals, 11 power-play points and ranks second with 25 points. The Carberry, MB native is tied for second among all ECHL defensemen in goals, tied for fourth in power-play points and ranks sixth in points.

* Elmira is 15-4-3 when scoring first.

* The Jackals are 18-1-2 when scoring three or more goals.

* Elmira is 13-0-2 when leading after two periods.

* Matt Tassone leads the league with seven first goals.

* Nick Tuzzolino leads all ECHL defensemen with 113 shots on goal.

Jackals Drop Monday Matinee In Reading, 4-2

READING, PA - Thomas Nesbitt opened the scoring in the first period and Keith Buehler notched his second professional goal, but the Reading Royals scored twice in the first and third to hand the Jackals a 4-2 defeat.

The Jackals jumped ahead of the Royals with a power-play goal on their first man advantage at 9:41 of the first period. Nesbitt received a feed from Taylor Stefishen while stationed on the goal-line, then worked it to Kevin Hart at the point, and received a return pass at the top of the circle before firing a wrist shot past Connor Knapp. Nesbitt's eighth goal of the season extends his point streak to six games. Three minutes later the Royals would respond on their own first power-play opportunity. Mike Marcou beat Travis Fullerton with a slap shot from the point for his fourth goal of the season. Zach Davies and Ryan Cruthers earned the assists on Marcou's power-play goal. Reading would strike once more in the opening frame when Ian Watters collected a turnover in the Jackals' end and found Olivier Labelle in the high slot for a quick snap shot over the shoulder of Fullerton.

Despite getting out-shot 13-6 in the second period, the Jackals would notch the lone goal in the frame. Ryan Rashid and Nesbitt established control deep in Reading's end and Nesbitt found Keith Buehler streaking into the slot. Buehler sniped it top-shelf with a quick shot past Knapp's glove for his second goal of the season. Rashid's helper extended his point streak to five games.

The game went to the third period tied 2-2 and remained knotted until 12:17 of the frame when Olivier Labelle recorded his second goal of the night on the power-play. Pat Mullane and Maxim Lamarche assisted Labelle's team-leading 14th goal of the season. The Jackals pushed for the tying goal, but Matt Hatch's fifth marker of the season at 18:43 provided Reading with the cushion it needed.

Fullerton stopped 27 of 31 shots faced but was handed the loss. Knapp allowed two goals on 29 shots faced and earned the win.

Jackals Visit Reading For Monday Matinee Affair

READING, PA - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, visit Santander Arena for a Monday matinee affair against the Reading Royals to complete a three-game mini series.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (19-14-5) at Reading Royals - Philadelphia/NHL & Lehigh Valley/AHL (22-13-2) 

  

WHAT: Jackals Away Game #20.

WHEN: 1:05 p.m. EST 
 

WHERE: Santander Arena - 700 Penn Street Reading, PA 19602

Today the Jackals travel to Santander Arena in Reading, PA to face-off against the Royals in a matinee affair. Today's meeting marks the 11th of 15 meetings this season, including the sixth of eight at Santander Arena. This contest marks the final meeting in a three-game mini series, which began on Friday night at First Arena in Elmira, NY. The Jackals returned home and jumped ahead of the Royals 3-0 in the first period with goals coming from Mike Seidel, Ryan Rashid and Andrew Conboy. Steven Shamanski added his ninth goal of the season to cushion the Jackals lead in the third period. Travis Fullerton made 36 saves to earn his 12th win of the season as the Jackals cruised to a 4-2 win. The next night Thomas Nesbitt, Mitch Holmberg and Mike Seidel scored in the second period, but the Jackals allowed two third period tallies and fell 4-3 in the shootout. Elmira holds a 49-46-12 all-time advantage in the series against Reading and the DeMet's Candy Turtle Cup Challenge is tied at five games apiece.

Jackals Score Three In Second; Fall 4-3 In Shootout

ELMIRA, NY - For the second consecutive night, the Jackals scored three goals in a single period against the Reading Royals, but the Royals climbed back, scoring two goals in the third and eventually downing the Jackals 4-3 in the shootout
After jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first period last night, the Jackals would concede the game's opening marker to a former player. Maxim Lamarche put the Royals on the board with his second goal of the season at 8:05 of the first period. Reading out-shot the Jackals 16-12 in the first 20 minutes of play.

The Jackals stormed out in the second period and flipped the script on the Royals. Thomas Nesbitt was the beneficiary of a beautiful backdoor feed from Ryan Rashid on a two-on-one rush. Rashid blocked a point shot at the Jackals' blue line and hustled down the left-wing side with the puck before passing it over to Nesbitt for his seventh goal of the season. Nesbitt's marker increased his point streak to five games and Rashid increased his to four games. Just 30 seconds later Colin Jacobs entered the Royals' zone and dropped the puck to Mitch Holmberg at the top of the right circle who whistled a wrist shot top-shelf past Connor Knapp. Holmberg's fifth goal of the season swung the momentum to the Jackals' side. Later in the second period, Mike Seidel snuck behind the defense, broke in from the blueline and buried on the breakaway to increase the Jackals lead to two. Seidel's ninth goal of the season, and second in as many nights, was assisted by Riley Wetmore and Justin Daniels. Wetmore's helper increased his assist streak to three games. He has three points in four games since joining the Jackals.

The Jackals tightened up defensively in the third period, but a bad bounce and a controversial call caused a turn in the contest. At 6:41 of the final regulation frame, Sean Wiles slipped behind the Jackals' defense, but could not corral the puck and lost it into the corner. As he went into the corner, Wiles threw the puck back towards the slot, which bounced off of Kevin Hart and into the Jackals' net. The Royals upped their press with the Jackals' lead cut down to one and a controversial goal call at 14:06 would alter the outcome. Olivier Labelle played a bouncing puck in the slot off of his skate and past Travis Fullerton, which was signaled a goal by the referees. After a short conversation between the referees, as a video replay showed a kicking motion on the scoreboard, the call stood and the game was tied 3-3.

Neither team would score the game-winner in the remainder of regulation, nor the five-minute overtime frame, so the game would go to a shootout. Pat Mullane and Sean Wiles scored for the Royals and Knapp stopped all four shooters he faced to seal the Royals' comeback win.

Fullerton made 29 saves on 32 shots faced and two saves on four shootout attempts, but was handed the shootout loss. Knapp allowed three goals on 35 shots faced, but stopped all four shooters in the skills competition and earned the win.

Jackals Celebrate Blade's Birthday With Reading In Town

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, complete their two-game home-stand tonight against the Reading Royals. The Jackals are 5-3-1 against Reading this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (19-14-4) vs. Reading Royals - Philadelphia/NHL & Lehigh Valley/AHL (21-13-2) 
  
WHAT: Jackals Home Game #19.

WHEN: 7:05 p.m. EST 

WHERE: First Arena - 155 N. Main St. Elmira, NY 14901

Tonight the Jackals complete their two-game home-stand against the Reading Royals with the tenth of fifteen meetings this season, and the fifth of seven at First Arena. Last night the Jackals returned home to host their East Division rival and jumped ahead early in the first period. Mike Seidel and Taylor Stefishen returned to the lineup and figured into each of the Jackals' first goals. Seidel buried his eighth goal of the season assisted by Riley Wetmore and Andrew Conboy. Less than a minute later Ryan Rashid scored for the third straight game with assists coming from Stefishen and Holmberg. Andrew Conboy increased the Jackals lead to 3-0 in the first period with an unassisted shorthanded marker. Steven Shamanski added his ninth goal of the season to cushion the Jackals lead in the third period. Travis Fullerton made 36 saves to earn his 12th win of the season as the Jackals cruised to a 4-2 win. Elmira holds a 49-46-11 all-time advantage in the series against Reading and a one-game advantage in the DeMet's Candy Turtle Cup Challenge.

Jackals Score Three In First; Defeat Reading 4-2

ELMIRA, NY - The Jackals jumped ahead 3-0 in the first period against the Reading Royals and cruised to a 4-2 victory over their East Division rival.

Mike Seidel and Taylor Stefishen made their returns to the Jackals' lineup tonight and provided an offensive boost right off the bat. Less than seven minutes into regulation, Seidel weaved into the offensive zone, slipped past a defender on the backhand and moved the puck to the forehand for a top-shelf shot past Royals' netminder Connor Knapp. Riley Wetmore and Andrew Conboy earned the assists on Seidel's eighth goal of the season. Just a mere 42 seconds later the Jackals would double their lead. Ryan Rashid continued his hot streak and buried for the third straight game with a redirect off of Taylor Stefishen's centering feed for his eighth goal of the year. Mitch Holmberg also added an assist on Rashid's marker. Andrew Conboy would increase the Jackals' lead to three at 12:25 of the first period with an unassisted short-handed tally. Andrew Johnston would get the Royals on the board at 15:53 of the opening frame, but the Jackals would carry a two-goal lead into the intermission.

Neither team would score in the second period, so the Jackals maintained their 3-1 lead going into the final frame. Travis Fullerton turned aside all 10 shots faced in the second period and 22 of 23 shots faced through the first 40 minutes of action.

Elmira would reestablish its three-goal lead at 8:14 of the third period with Steven Shamanski's ninth goal of the season. Keith Buehler chipped the puck out of the Jackals' end along the wall to Thomas Nesbitt, who was swinging through the zone. Nesbitt carried the puck down the left-wing side with speed and dished a backhand feed to Shamanski who deposited the puck past Joe Howe, who replaced Knapp in the first period, with a silky backhand move. Ryan Cruthers would score on the power-play at 16:31 of the third period to cut the Jackals' lead to two, but that would be as close as Reading would get to a comeback.

Fullerton finished the night with 36 saves, earning his 12th win of the season. Knapp allowed three goals on four shots and was handed the loss. Howe turned aside 13 of 14 shots faced.

Jackals Host Reading For First Meeting In 2015

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, host the Reading Royals for the first meeting of 2015 between these two rivals. The Jackals are 4-3-1 against Reading this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (18-14-4) vs. Reading Royals - Philadelphia/NHL & Lehigh Valley/AHL (21-12-2) 

  

WHAT: Jackals Home Game #18.

WHEN: 7:05 p.m. EST 
 

WHERE: First Arena - 155 N. Main St. Elmira, NY 14901

Tonight, the Jackals return to First Arena to host the Reading Royals for the ninth of fifteen meetings this season, and the fourth of seven in Elmira. The last meeting between these two East Division rivals finished the 2014 calendar year in style for Sam Marotta and the Jackals. The rookie netminder recorded his first professional shutout for a 4-0 win on New Year's Eve. Matt Tassone and Steven Shamanski scored on the power-play while Colin Jacobs and Phil Bronner added even strength tallied to propel the pesky Jackals to victory. All four of the Jackals' goals came in the third period. Captain Matt Tassone leads the Jackals against Reading with eight points (five goals, three assists) in seven games this season. The Jackals hold a 48-46-11 all-time advantage in the series against Reading. This year's DeMet's Candy Turtle Cup Challenge is knotted at four games apiece.

Tassone Earns Second Call-Up To Rochester

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that the club has loaned forward Matt Tassone to Rochester.

Tassone, 25, has earned his second call-up to Rochester this season after appearing in one game during his first AHL stint with the Americans. He finished plus-one with a shot on goal for Rochester in last Friday's 5-2 win. The Jackals' team captain leads Elmira with 14 goals and a plus-15 rating in 24 games this season. He is also tied for the team lead with 24 points and 78 penalty minutes. In 150career ECHL games with Elmira, Las Vegas, Ontario and Idaho, the St. Albert, Alberta native has collected 88 points (43 goals, 45 assists). The 6-foot-2 210-pound forward has also appeared in 13 AHL games with the Lake Erie Monsters and 14 CHL games with the Arizona Sundogs and the Wichita Thunder.

Prior to turning pro, Tassone played 187 games with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. He recorded 73 goals, 46 assists and 343 penalty minutes in four seasons with the Broncos. Tassone was drafted by the Dallas Stars with the 176th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Jackals Weekly Release 1/12-1/18

ELMIRA, N.Y.  - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, host the Reading Royals for a two-game set this weekend, which is the first time since December 5-7 that the Jackals have had consecutive home games.

Last Week's Record: 1-1-0
Overall Record: 18-14-4; t-fourth place in East Division, t-sixth place in Eastern Conference

Leaders:
Goals: Matt Tassone (14)
Assists: Steven Shamanski (16)
Points: Matt Tassone & Steven Shamanski (24)
+/-: Matt Tassone (+15)
PIMs: Matt Tassone & Justin Sawyer (78)
PPG: Matt Tassone, Steven Shamanski &Taylor Stefishen (4)
SHG: Matt Tassone, Taylor Stefishen & Mike Seidel (1)
Wins: Travis Fullerton (11)
GAA: Travis Fullerton (2.55)
SVP: Sam Marotta (.914)

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

1/16 vs. Reading Royals - 7:05 p.m. EST; 1/17 vs. Reading Royals - 7:05 p.m. EST
Home vs. REA 1-1-1, Away vs. REA 3-2-0

The Jackals return to First Arena to host the Reading Royals for the ninth and tenth meetings this season, and the fourth and fifth in Elmira. The last meeting between these two East Division rivals finished the 2014 calendar year in style for Sam Marotta and the Jackals. The rookie netminder recorded his first professional shutout for a 4-0 win on New Year's Eve. Matt Tassone and Steven Shamanski scored on the power-play while Colin Jacobs and Phil Bronner added even strength tallied to propel the pesky Jackals to victory. All four of the Jackals' goals came in the third period. Captain Matt Tassone leads the Jackals against Reading with eight points (five goals, three assists) in seven games this season. The Jackals hold a 48-46-11 all-time advantage in the series against Reading. This year's DeMet's Candy Turtle Cup Challenge is knotted at four games apiece.

Recapping Last Week:

1/9 vs. Brampton Beast: W 4-1

Ryan Rashid netted two goals and added two assists as Mike Bergin notched his first ECHL goal to power the Jackals past the Brampton Beast 4-1. Thomas Nesbitt started the scoring before many fans even found their seats with his sixth goal of the year, just 57 seconds into the opening frame. Ryan Rashid and Justin Daniels assisted Nesbitt's marker. In the second period, the Jackals turned the heat up and buried Brampton with three goals. The first of the second frame came off the stick of Ryan Rashid shorthanded. The rookie forward posted up in front of the net as the Jackals appeared to be on the power-play despite killing off a penalty and tipped Steven Shamanski's point shot past Brampton netminder Grant Rollheiser. Nick Tuzzolino also assisted Rashid's fifth goal of the season. With an even-strength goal and a shorthanded marker, the Jackals were just missing a power-play goal to complete the trifecta, and that goal came at 14:08 of the second period. Mike Bergin snuck down to the far post and deposited his first ECHL goal past Rollheiser with a beautiful backdoor bury. Ryan Rashid and Justin Daniels earned assists on Bergin's first goal. Matt Maione got the Beast on the board at 15:04 of the period, but that was the only goal Travis Fullerton would allow. Ryan Rashid added his second of the night to reclaim the Jackals' three goal lead at 16:11 of the second period. Mike Bergin and Justin Daniels were credited with helpers on Rashid's sixth goal of the season.

1/10 at Wheeling: L 2-4 

The Jackals jumped ahead 2-0 early in the second period on the road in Wheeling, but were out-done by the Nailers and Tyler Fernandez, who scored with 26 seconds remaining to sink the Jackals. Ryan Rashid continued his strong play with the game's opening goal 5:58 into the first period. Riley Wetmore fed Mike Bergin at the blueline for a wrist shot that was tipped in front by Rashid and past Nailers' netminder Eric Hartzell. Rashid's seventh goal of the season was his third in the past two games. Wetmore's assist was his first as a Jackal. The Jackals doubled their lead just 30 seconds into the second period. Thomas Nesbitt worked the puck out of the corner and over to Andrew Conboy, who moved it to Steven Shamanski at the point. Shamanski walked into the high slot and whistled a wrist-shot past Hartzell to put the Jackals ahead 2-0. The Nailers received their first power-play of the game shortly after Shamanski's eighth of the season and quickly cut the Jackals' lead back to one. Zack Torquato passed the puck to Morgan Ellis who fired the puck off his own teammate, Derek Army in the slot. The puck bounced back to Army and he fired it past Sam Marotta for his team-leading 12th goal of the season at 3:15 of the second period The Jackals maintained their 2-1 lead throughout the middle frame, until a defensive zone faceoff with less than a minute remaining in the period. Torquato won the faceoff back to Ellis and the defenseman blasted a slapshot past Marotta to tie the game 2-2 with just 46 seconds remaining in the period. The third period remained deadlocked until the final seconds of regulation. Ellis chipped the puck out of the Nailers' end and Torquato backhanded it to Fernandez streaking into the Jackals' zone. Fernandez snapped a wrist-shot past Marotta and gave the Nailers their first lead of the game with just 26 seconds left. Ellis added an empty-net goal to give Wheeling a come-from-behind 4-2 win. 

Quick Hits:

* Sam Marotta leads all rookie goaltenders with a 2.56 goals-against-average and ranks second with a .914 save percentage.

* Matt Tassone leads the league with seven first goals.

* Steven Shamanski leads all rookie defensemen with eight goals, 11 power-play points and 24 points. Shamanski is tied for second among all ECHL defensemen in goals and power-play points and ranks tied for third in points.

* Nick Tuzzolino leads all ECHL defensemen with 102 shots on goal.

* Elmira is 14-3-3 when scoring first.

* The Jackals are 17-1-1 when scoring three or more goals.

* Elmira is 12-0-1 when leading after two periods.

Jackals Lose Nailbiter In Wheeling

WHEELING, WV  - The Jackals jumped ahead 2-0 early in the second period on the road in Wheeling, but were out-done by the Nailers and Tyler Fernandez, who scored with 26 seconds remaining to sink the Jackals.

Ryan Rashid continued his strong play with the game's opening goal 5:58 into the first period. Riley Wetmore fed Mike Bergin at the blueline for a wrist shot that was tipped in front by Rashid and past Nailers' netminder Eric Hartzell. Rashid's seventh goal of the season was his third in the past two games. Wetmore's assist was his first as a Jackal. Elmira carried its 1-0 lead into the first intermission at WesBanco Arena.

The Jackals doubled their lead just 30 seconds into the second period. Thomas Nesbitt worked the puck out of the corner and over to Andrew Conboy, who moved it to Steven Shamanski at the point. Shamanski walked into the high slot and whistled a wrist-shot past Hartzell to put the Jackals ahead 2-0. The Nailers received their first power-play of the game shortly after Shamanski's eighth of the season and quickly cut the Jackals' lead back to one. Zack Torquato passed the puck to Morgan Ellis who fired the puck off his own teammate, Derek Army in the slot. The puck bounced back to Army and he fired it past Sam Marotta for his team-leading 12th goal of the season at 3:15 of the second period The Jackals maintained their 2-1 lead throughout the middle frame, until a defensive zone faceoff with less than a minute remaining in the period. Torquato won the faceoff back to Ellis and the defenseman blasted a slapshot past Marotta to tie the game 2-2 with just 46 seconds remianing in the period.

The third period remained deadlocked until the final seconds of regulation. Ellis chipped the puck out of the Nailers' end and Torquato backhanded it to Fernandez streaking into the Jackals' zone. Fernandez snapped a wrist-shot past Marotta and gave the Nailers their first lead of the game with just 26 seconds left. Ellis added an empty-net goal to give Wheeling a come-from-behind 4-2 win.

Marotta stopped 31 of 34 shots faced but was handed the loss. Hartzell turned aside 24 of 26 shots faced for the win. Elmira went 0-for-1 on the power-play and Wheeling finished 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Tassone and Jacobs Join Jackals In Wheeling

WHEELING, WV - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that forward Matt Tassone has been returned on loan to Rochester and forward Colin Jacobs has been reassigned to Elmira from Rochester by Buffalo.

Tassone, 25, skated in one game with Rochester in his first AHL call-up this season. Tassone was plus-one with a shot on goal in last night's 5-2 win for the Americans. The Jackals' team captain leads the squad with 14 goals, 24 points, 76 penalty minutes and a plus-14 rating in 23 games this season. In 149 career ECHL games with Elmira, Las Vegas, Ontario and Idaho, the St. Albert, Alberta native has collected 88 points (43 goals, 45 assists). The 6-foot-2 210-pound forward has also appeared in 13 AHL games with the Lake Erie Monsters and 14 CHL games with the Arizona Sundogs and the Wichita Thunder.

Prior to turning pro, Tassone played 187 games with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. He recorded 73 goals, 46 assists and 343 penalty minutes in four seasons with the Broncos. Tassone was drafted by the Dallas Stars with the 176th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Jacobs, 21, rejoins the Jackals after posting two shots on goal in two games with Rochester in his first AHL call-up of the season. Jacobs has appeared in 22 games with the Jackals this season, posting eight points (four goals, four assists) and 44 penalty minutes. He split the 2013-14 season between Elmira and Rochester, recording five points (two goals, three assists) in 20 games with the Jackals and adding two assists in 24 games with Rochester. In 37 career AHL games, all with the Americans, the 6-foot-1 200-pound forward has collected five points (one goal, four assists) and 29 penalty minutes. The Coppell, Texas native was drafted in the fourth round (107th overall) by Buffalo in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Additionally, the Jackals announced today that they have released forward Ryan Patsch from his Standard Player Contract. Patsch, 23, appeared in one game for the Jackals.

Jackals Visit Wheeling In Saturday Night Showdown

WHEELING, WV - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, visit WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia to take on the Nailers for the fourth time this season. The Jackals are 1-1-1 against Wheeling this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (18-13-4) at Wheeling Nailers - Pittsburgh & Montreal/NHL & Wilkes-Barre/Scranton & Hamilton/AHL (15-16-0) 

WHAT: Jackals Away Game #19.

WHEN: 7:35 p.m. EST 

WHERE: WesBanco Arena - 1315 Main Street  Wheeling, WV 26003

Tonight the Jackals visit WesBanco Arena to face the Nailers for the fourth of 13 meetings this season, including the second of seven in Wheeling. The last time these two rivals met the Nailers snuck by the Jackals 2-0, including an empty-net goal. The hatred between the Jackals and Nailers has intensified in each game this season. The last meeting resulted in 42 penalty minutes, 10 power-plays and a near line brawl. That was the second time this season that a line brawl almost broke out between the two former Atlantic Division rivals. The night before, the Jackals stormed past the Nailers 6-3, behind Mike Seidel's hat-trick and four-point nights from Seidel, Steven Shamanski and Allan McPherson. The game also included two fights and 52 combined penalty minutes. In the first meeting this season, Todd Orlando was injured during a fight with Chaz Johnson and has not returned to the lineup since. Nick Tuzzolino also dropped the gloves during the feisty contest. Taylor Stefishen and Seidel scored in the first period but the Jackals fell 3-2 in the shootout.

Tassone Earns Call-Up To Rochester

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that forward Matt Tassone has been loaned to Rochester.

Tassone, 25, has appeared in 23 games for the Jackals this season. The team captain leads the Jackals with 14 goals, 24 points, 76 penalty minutes and a plus-14 rating. In 149 career ECHL games with Elmira, Las Vegas, Ontario and Idaho, the St. Albert, Alberta native has collected 88 points (43 goals, 45 assists). Tassone has also appeared in 13 AHL games with the Lake Erie Monsters, posting one goal and 26 penalty minutes. The 6-foot-2 210-pound forward also skated in 14 CHL games with the Arizona Sundogs and the Wichita Thunder and recorded eight points.

Prior to turning pro, Tassone played 187 games with the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. He recorded 73 goals, 46 assists and 343 penalty minutes in four seasons with the Broncos. Tassone was drafted by the Dallas Stars with the 176th overall pick in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.

Additionally, the Jackals announced today that they have signed forward Ryan Patsch to a Standard Player Contract.

Patsch, 23, joins the Jackals by way of the Danbury Whalers of the Federal Hockey League. The 6-foot-1 195-pound Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native registered 61 points (31 goals, 30 assists) in 56 games with Danbury last season, earning FHL Rookie of the Year honors.

Jackals Return Home To Battle The Beast

ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, return to the friendly confines of First Arena to battle the Brampton Beast. The Jackals are 2-0-0 against Brampton this season.

WHO: Elmira Jackals - Buffalo/NHL & Rochester/AHL (17-13-4) vs. Brampton Beast - Independent/NHL & Independent/AHL (10-17-2) 

 
WHAT: Jackals Home Game #17.

WHEN: 7:05 p.m. EST 

WHERE: First Arena - 155 N. Main St. Elmira, NY 14901

The Jackals return home to face the Brampton Beast for the third of six meetings this season, including the third of three at First Arena. Elmira first ever meeting against Brampton resulted in a 3-2 overtime Jackals victory. Matt Tassone scored a goal-of-the-year candidate, Kevin Hart notched his first professional goal and Brayden Irwin buried the game-winner. The next night the the line of Stefishen-Tassone-Irwin combined for 12 points, with each player recording four-point nights. Sam Marotta made 29 saves in his professional debut to earn his first win. Since the last time these two teams met, the Donati twins were reunited as Justin returned to North America to skate alongside his twin brother, Tyler. The Donati brothers combined to lead the Jackals during the 2009-10 season as Tyler tallied 114 points and was named the ECHL MVP as Justin recorded 104 points and was named the ECHL rookie of the year. Tyler's 76 assists and 114 points that season are still Jackals' single-season records.

Elmira Blows By Brampton, 4-1

ELMIRA, NY - Ryan Rashid netted two goals and added an assist as Mike Bergin notched his first ECHL goal to power the Jackals past the Brampton Beast 4-1.
Thomas Nesbitt started the scoring before many fans even found their seats with his sixth goal of the year, just 57 seconds into the opening frame. Ryan Rashid assisted Nesbitt's marker. The Jackals continued to out-shoot Brampton throughout the first period, leading 10-4 at the break.

In the second period, the Jackals turned the heat up and buried Brampton with three goals. The first of the second frame came off the stick of Ryan Rashid shorthanded. The rookie forward posted up in front of the net as the Jackals appeared to be on the power-play despite killing off a penalty and tipped Steven Shamanski's point shot past Brampton netminder Grant Rollheiser. Nick Tuzzolino also assisted Rashid's fifth goal of the season. With an even-strength goal and a shorthanded marker, the Jackals were just missing a power-play goal to complete the trifecta, and that goal came at 14:08 of the second period. Mike Bergin snuck down to the far post and deposited his first ECHL goal past Rollheiser with a beautiful backdoor bury. Kevin Hart and Justin Daniels earned assists on Bergin's first goal. Matt Maione got the Beast on the board at 15:04 of the period, but that was the only goal Travis Fullerton would allow. Ryan Rashid added his second of the night to reclaim the Jackals' three goal lead at 16:11 of the second period. Mike Bergin and Justin Daniels were credited with helpers on Rashid's sixth goal of the season.

The pace in the third period slowed as the Jackals killed the clock and thwarted Brampton's chance at a comeback. Justin Sawyer dropped the gloves with Dalton Thrower after Sawyer accidentally clipped Elgin Reid in the face with his stick. Thrower was given a game misconduct for leaving the bench and both players were escorted off the ice.

Fullerton turned aside 16 of 17 shots faced for his 11th win of the season. Rollheiser allowed four goals on 31 shots and was handed the loss.

Jacobs Reassigned To Rochester

 ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that forward Colin Jacobs has been reassigned from Elmira to Rochester by Buffalo.
Jacobs, 21, has appeared in 22 games with the Jackals this season, posting eight points (four goals, four assists) and 44 penalty minutes. This is Jacobs' first AHL call-up this season. He split the 2013-14 season between Elmira and Rochester, recording five points (two goals, three assists) in 20 games with the Jackals and adding two assists in 24 games with Rochester. In 35 career AHL games, all with the Americans, the 6-foot-1 200-pound forward has collected five points (one goal, four assists) and 29 penalty minutes. The Coppell, Texas native was drafted in the fourth round (107th overall) by Buffalo in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Jackals Receive Wetmore From Springfield

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today forward Riley Wetmore has been reassigned to Elmira from the Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League.
Wetmore, 25, has appeared in 23 games with the Kalamazoo Wings and one game with Springfield this season. The 6-foot 195-pound forward recorded nine points (two goals, seven assists) with the Wings and was held off the scoresheet in his brief stint with the Falcons.

The Swanton, Vermont native split the 2013-14 season between the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the American Hockey League and the Stockton Thunder of the ECHL. Wetmore collected 11 points (three goals, eight assists) in 38 games with the Sound Tigers and five points (two goals, three assists) in 15 games with the Thunder. In 42 career AHL games, Wetmore has amassed 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and 16 penalty minutes. He has also added 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) and 25 penalty minutes in 38 career ECHL games.

Prior to turning pro, Wetmore attended the University of Massachsetts-Lowell, where he notched 111 points (50 goals, 61 assists) and 124 penalty minutes in 152 NCAA games. As a senior in 2012-13, he helped lead the River Hawks to the Hockey East Championship and was named to the Hockey East Second All-Star Team for his efforts. As a junior, Wetmore served as team captain and was an alternate captain during his sophomore campaign. Before attending the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, Wetmore tallied 165 points (63 goals, 102 assists) in 139 games with the Green Mountain Glades in the Eastern Junior Hockey League.

Jackals Send McAvoy To Orlando

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that they have traded defenseman Spencer McAvoy to the Orlando Solar Bears to complete the future considerations from the November 5th trade, which sent Mike Bergin from Orlando to Elmira.
McAvoy, 26, skated in 23 games for the Jackals this season. The 6-foot-3 200-pound defenseman did not record a point and posted 26 penalty minutes for Elmira. McAvoy spent the previous five seasons in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport at St. Francis Xavier University. In 128 CIS games, the Edmonton, Alberta native posted 72 points (20 goals, 52 assists).

Jackals Weekly Release 1/5-1/11

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, return home to face Brampton on Friday and travel to Wheeling on Saturday. The Jackals are coming off of a four-game road trip, which took them to Pennsylvania, Georgia and South Carolina.

Last Week's Record: 2-1-1
Overall Record: 17-13-4; fourth place in East Division, sixth place in Eastern Conference

Leaders:
Goals: Matt Tassone (14)
Assists: Steven Shamanski (15)
Points: Matt Tassone (24)
+/-: Matt Tassone (+14)
PIMs: Matt Tassone (76)
PPG: Matt Tassone, Steven Shamanski &Taylor Stefishen (4)
SHG: Matt Tassone, Taylor Stefishen & Mike Seidel (1)
Wins: Travis Fullerton (10)
GAA: Sam Marotta (2.54)
SVP: Sam Marotta (.914)

Previewing the Upcoming Week:

1/9 vs. Brampton Beast - 7:05 p.m. EST
Home vs. BRM 2-0-0, Away vs. BRM 0-0-0
The Jackals return home to face the Brampton Beast for the third of six meetings this season, including the third of three at First Arena. Elmira first ever meeting against Brampton resulted in a 3-2 overtime Jackals victory. Matt Tassone scored a goal-of-the-year candidate, Kevin Hart notched his first professional goal and Brayden Irwin buried the game-winner. The next night the the line of Stefishen-Tassone-Irwin combined for 12 points, with each player recording four-point nights. Sam Marotta made 29 saves in his professional debut to earn his first win. Since the last time these two teams met, the Donati twins were reunited as Justin returned to North America to skate alongside his twin brother, Tyler. The Donati brothers combined to lead the Jackals during the 2009-10 season as Tyler tallied 114 points and was named the ECHL MVP as Justin recorded 104 points and was named the ECHL rookie of the year. Tyler's 76 assists and 114 points that season are still Jackals' single-season records.

1/10 at Wheeling Nailers - 7:35 p.m. EST
Home vs. WHL 1-1-0, Away vs. WHL 0-0-1
 On Saturday, the Jackals visit WesBanco Arena to face the Nailers for the fourth of 13 meetings this season, including the second of seven in Wheeling. The last time these two rivals met the Nailers snuck by the Jackals 2-0, including an empty-net goal. The hatred between the Jackals and Nailers has intensified in each game this season. The last meeting resulted in 42 penalty minutes, 10 power-plays and a near line brawl. That was the second time this season that a line brawl almost broke out between the two former Atlantic Division rivals. The night before, the Jackals stormed past the Nailers 6-3, behind Mike Seidel's hat-trick and four-point nights from Seidel, Steven Shamanski and Allan McPherson. The game also included two fights and 52 combined penalty minutes. In the first meeting this season, Todd Orlando was injured during a fight with Chaz Johnson and has not returned to the lineup since. Nick Tuzzolino also dropped the gloves during the feisty contest. Taylor Stefishen and Seidel scored in the first period but the Jackals fell 3-2 in the shootout.

Recapping Last Week:

12/31 at Reading: W 4-0
The Jackals and Royals dropped the puck for the third consecutive meeting to round out 2014, but before either team could score the game's first goal, the gloves were dropped at Santander Arena. Justin Daniels, who opened the season with Reading and skated in five games for the Royals, challenged Adam Hughesman to a fight and rained rights down on his combatant. Justin Daniels drew a double-minor for high sticking against Brandon Alderson with six seconds remaining in the second period, which would turn the tide in the third frame. The Jackals quickly broke the scoreless tie in the third period with a power-play marker from captain Matt Tassone 1:54 into the frame. Colin Jacobs and Lucas Bloodoff earned the assists on Tassone's team-leading 13th goal of the season. Less than two minutes later Steven Shamanski snuck a shot through the five-hole of Martin Ouellette and doubled the Jackals' advantage. Jacobs and Kevin Hart assisted Shamanski's seventh goal of the season at 3:36 of the period. Jacobs' generosity would pay off at 7:02 of the third period when he benefited from a two-on-one feed from Keith Buehler. Jacobs received the saucer pass in the slot and made a silky deke to the backhand and beat Ouellette for his third of the season. One minute and twenty four seconds later Phil Bronner would redirect a point shot past Ouellette for his first ECHL goal. Tassone and Zach Tolkinen earned the helpers on Bronner's first marker. The stifling Jackals defense shutdown the Royals in the final 11 minutes of the third period and helped Marotta record his first pro shutout.

1/2 at Gwinnett: L 0-4
The Jackals opened the 2015 calendar year with a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Louis Domingue and the Gwinnett Gladiators. The Jackals opened the game on the attack and pressured the Gladiators throughout the early portion of the first period. However, the first strike of the night belonged to Gwinnett's captain, Sean Berkstresser, who picked up a loose puck in the Jackals' zone, drove down the left circle and cut to the backhand for his fifth goal of the season. In the second period, Elmira turned up the intensity and continued to press offensively, but each time Domingue was up to the task. The Jackals out-shot the Gladiators 10-3 in the second period but the score remained 1-0 following 40 minutes of action. The Jackals opened the third period with the man advantage and a chance to tie the game. However, just as Gwinnett's penalty was expiring Nick Tuzzolino was whistled for slashing and gave the Gladiators an opportunity to extend their lead. Just 23 seconds into the power-play Joe Stejskal's shot from the point was blocked in front of the net but the loose puck wasn't cleared and ended up on the stick of Will MacDonald, who deposited it for his third goal of the season. Gwinnett would strike again with the man advantage just over four minutes later. Tristin Llewellyn blasted a shot from the point purposely wide of the net, in an attempt to create a rebound opportunity for Casey Pierro-Zabotel along the goal-line. Pierro-Zabotel handled the hard bounce off of the backboards and scored his 10th goal of the season. Garry Nunn would add the Gladiators' fourth marker at 12:45 of the frame. Sam Marotta turned aside 19 of 23 shots but was handed the loss.

1/3 at Gwinnett: W 2-1
The Jackals finished their two-game season series against the Gwinnett Gladiators with a hard-fought 2-1 victory at The Arena at Gwinnett Center. Travis Fullerton and Louis Domingue traded save for save throughout the first 20 minutes, turning aside each shot on goal. In the second period, the Jackals upped their pressure and continued to grind in the Gwinnett end in search for their first goal of the two-game set. The first marker would come at 7:00 of the middle frame when Kevin Hart blasted a slapshot from the point through traffic which deflected off of Keith Buehler in front for his first professional goal. Justin Sawyer also added an assist on Buehler's first goal. Only 75 seconds later the Jackals would strike again. The individual effort of Phil Bronner in the offensive zone forced a defensive turnover by the Gladiators, allowing him to spin and fire the puck past a surprised Domingue. Bronner's marker was his second ECHL goal and would prove to be the game-winner. Later in the second period Justin Sawyer dropped the gloves with Dyson Stevenson and hammered rights down on his counterpart. The Gladiators would cut into the Jackals lead nearing the end of the second period when Brenden Walker snuck a low wrist shot through traffic and past Fullerton. The Jackals entered the third period with a 2-1 lead and a 10-0-1 record when leading after two periods. The Jackals would improve their mark to 11-0-1 with a tremendous team effort in the final 20 minutes. Zach Tolkinen earned his first professional fight early in the period off of a faceoff against Patrick MacGregor. Elmira spent much of the final frame in the Gwinnett end, stifling the Gladiators' breakouts and bogging down their speed. Fullerton turned aside 31 of 32 shots faced for his 10th win of the season.

1/4 at Greenville: SOL 2-3

Elmira embarked on the final leg of its four-game road trip and earned a point in a 3-2 shootout loss at Greenville. In the first period, the Jackals out-shot the Road Warriors 10-9 despite taking three penalties to Greenville's zero. Elmira's penalty kill was stellar, especially during an early 5-on-3, which lasted for 1:06 in the opening frame. The Jackals were rewarded for strong penalty killing at 13:28 when the captain Matt Tassone found the loose puck off of Nick Tuzzolino's point shot and deposited it for his team-leading 14th goal of the season. The Jackals opened the second period on the power-play, but could not take advantage of the opportunity with the man advantage. Seconds after killing another penalty, the Jackals were adjusting their unit on the ice and gave up two breakaways to the Road Warriors. Emerson Clark scored on Greenville's second breakaway and tied the game 1-1 4:52 into the middle frame. Samuel Noreau and Scott Arnold earned assists on Clark's 11th goal of the year. As the game remained tied past the halfway mark of the final regulation frame, Mitch Holmberg and Colin Jacobs would rise to the occasion. Holmberg picked up the puck with space in the Jackals' end due to a delayed offsides call against Greenville. He weaved out of his own zone, through the neutral zone and into the Road Warriors' end on the left wing side where he made a nifty move to the backhand and dropped a pass in the slot for Jacobs, who was streaking into the zone. Jacobs slammed the puck past Greenville goaltender Garrett Bartus to put the Jackals ahead 2-1 11:42 into the third period. With less than three minutes remaining in regulation the Road Warriors turned up the pressure and desperately battled for the tying goal. As a scrum ensued in front of the Jackals net Tyler Brown poked the puck past Fullerton and a host of Jackals to tie the game 2-2 with 2:53 remaining. After 65 minutes, the game would go to the shootout. Colin Jacobs scored in the first round for the Jackals and Nick Tuzzolino would score in the sixth round to keep the shootout going, but in the eighth round Michael St. Croix would score, giving Greenville the 3-2 win. Fullerton turned aside 32 of 34 shots faced and five more in the shootout but was handed the hard-fought shootout loss.  

Quick Hits:

* Sam Marotta leads all rookie goaltenders with a 2.54 goals-against-average and ranks second with a .914 save percentage.

* Steven Shamanski leads all rookie defensemen with seven goals and 11 power-play points. He is tied for the league lead among rookie defensemen with 22 points.   

* Elmira is 11-0-1 when leading after two periods.

*Elmira is 13-2-3 when scoring first.

* Elmira ranks second in the league with 715 penalty minutes.

* Nick Tuzzolino ranks second among ECHL defensemen with 94 shots on goal.

* Matt Tassone leads the league with seven first goals.