MVP Defenseman Returns, Highlights Six Signings
Published on July 24, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
Coming off an extended playoff run, the Elmira Jackals have made the 2009-2010 season look even more promising by signing six talented players.
The Jackals' 2008-2009 Most Valuable Defenseman Travis Gawryletz returns to Elmira, while Jean-Francois David adds a threatening offensive presence at the blue line. Forwards Nino Musitelli, Chanse Fitzpatrick, Ryan McDonald, and Matt Dias join the Jackals as proven scorers.
Travis Gawryletz will stay with the Jackals for a second straight season after posting 16 points (2g-14a) in his first professional season and being named the Jackals most valuable defenseman. He was second on the Jackals in plus/minus last season with a +14. As an eighth round draft pick in 2004 NHL Entry Draft by the Philadelphia Flyers, Gawryletz skated four seasons for the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs under head coach Scott Sandelin. Having played in 56 of the team's 72 regular season games and all 11 postseason games last season, Gawryletz figures to be an important blue line presence for the Jackals this year. Jackals head coach Steve Martinson said, "Travis had an excellent rookie season and is a very steady and strong defensive defenseman. We look for a great year from Travis."
Montreal native Jean-Francois David brings six seasons of professional experience to the Jackals. David has played for four AHL franchises and three ECHL teams, most recently the Texas Wildcatters in 2006-2007. David was leading the ECHL in scoring among defensemen with 23 points (3g-20a) through 19 games before he was called up to the AHL. In his last three seasons, David totaled 93 points (14g-79a). He spent the last two seasons abroad, skating for Roeun of the Ligue Magnus in France and Linz EHC of the Austrian Hockey League. "Jean-Francois David is an excellent offensive defenseman. We will look forward to David quarterbacking the power play," said Martinson.
Nino Musitelli will play hockey for a non-Ohio based team for the first time since 2003-2004. In his first professional season in 2008-2009, Musitelli led the Dayton Bombers of the ECHL in scoring, tallying 50 points (19g-31a) while playing in only 62 games. Prior to that, the Michigan native played four seasons for the Miami University (Ohio) RedHawks, recording 24 points (6g-18a) in his sophomore season. "Nino is an exciting player with great speed," Martinson said. "We are excited about him joining the Jackals.
Returning to Elmira for his second stint with the team, winger Chanse Fitzpatrick will once again play in a league in which he has seen plenty of success. Having played for the Jackals in 2006-2007 when the team was a member of the UHL, Fitzpatrick has played his best hockey at the ECHL level. Through 155 career ECHL games, Fitzpatrick has notched 114 points (56g-58a). The Prince Edward Island native spent the last season and a half abroad, playing in German and Swedish-based leagues. "Chance is a very gifted offensive player. He will add a scoring threat every time he is on the ice," Martinson said.
Center Ryan McDonald joins the club having led Prince Albert of the WHL in goals in the 2008-2009 season with 37. His 63 points last year were a four point improvement from his 2007-2008 campaign with Prince Albert. A Saskatchewan native, McDonald also laced up in one playoff game last season with the Rocky Mountain Rage of the CHL, his lone professional start. Martinson said, "Ryan is a good young player with a great scoring touch. We are counting on him to score some big goals."
Having played in just six ECHL games in his career, winger Matt Dias has made a name for himself in the OHL, where he led Sudbury in scoring in the 2008-2009 season with 66 points (31-35). In 2007-2008, Dias played five games for the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), and last season played one game for the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL), notching a goal and an assist in his lone appearance with the Cyclones. Despite his limited time in the ECHL, the Ontario native has seen success in the league and could be an important part of the Jackals' 2009-2010 campaign. "Matt is another player who has a great scoring touch," Martinson said. "He is young and has great speed and will be an exciting player to watch."
Jackals General Manager Robbie S. Nichols stated, "By seeing the six players Coach Martinson has signed for the 2009-2010 season, it looks like we are getting set for another exciting season in Elmira. In our first year in the ECHL, we made the playoffs and lost in the first round. The second year, we made the playoffs and lost in the second round. This being our third year in the ECHL, I believe it is the year of the Jackals. The season is coming quick and our roster is taking great shape."
Jackals season tickets are still available. Call 607-734-PUCK or visit www.jackalshockey.com for more information.
ECHL Stories from July 24, 2009
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- Nailers Re-Sign Forward Chase Watson - Wheeling Nailers
- Season Ticket Holders: Don't Miss Out - Elmira Jackals
- Network Of Talent: Jackals Maintain Relationship With Affiliates - Elmira Jackals
- MVP Defenseman Returns, Highlights Six Signings - Elmira Jackals
- Jackals Add New And Exciting Sound To Booth - Elmira Jackals
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
