Jackals Ink Forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian
July 29, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY -The Elmira Jackals, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today the team has signed forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian to Standard Player Contracts for the 2016-17 season. Hatch, 26, joins the Jackals after playing the previous two seasons for the Reading Royals. The Massena, New York native recorded 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) and a +3 plus/minus in 84 games for the Royals. In his rookie campaign, Hatch led all Royals' rookies with a +8 plus/minus and was tied for first among team rookies with nine goals. Hatch also appeared in two games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL).
"I would like to thank the entire Jackals organization for giving me this opportunity," said Hatch. "I am excited to be back in my home state and look forward to working with a first class staff and teammates dedicated to winning." Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11 190-pound forward accrued 73 points (34 goals, 39 assists) and a +64 plus/minus in 148 NCAA games at Union College. Over his four year career with the Dutchmen, Hatch won a NCAA Championship, two ECAC Championships and one ECAC Regular Season Championship. Hatch was also a teammate of current Jackals forward Mark Bennett for three years at Union College. Christian, 24, comes to Elmira following a four-year career at Clarkson University. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Elmira Jackals organization," said Christian. "I am looking forward to getting to know the team, the fans and the city. I am excited to get things started."
During his tenure at Clarkson University, Christian recorded 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 77 NCAA games. The Norwalk, Connecticut native was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team in each of his first three years. Before attending Clarkson University, Christian played three seasons for the Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) posting 110 points (51 goals, 59 assists) in 162 games. He was named the team's Most Valuable Forward in 2011-12 leading the team in scoring with 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in 57 games. Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call (607) 734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today! Follow the Jackals at www.jackalshockey.com, on Facebook, Twitter (@JackalsHockey) and Instagram for all the latest news and updates. Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call (607) 734-7825 or visit http://www.jackalshockey.com/groups/. Officially licensed Elmira Jackals replica team jerseys, apparel and headwear can be purchased online at: http://www.jackalshockey.com/ # # # Like us on Facebook 29gjMbtrH59coIh9lQTYMcE9UF40A26_JzCDHTU-w==] Follow us on Twitter H59coIh9lQTYMcE9UF40A26_JzCDHTU-w==] View our videos on YouTube zf3p5oz4LWIt29gjMbtrH59coIh9lQTYMcE9UF40A26_JzCDHTU-w==]
Upcoming Games: Saturday, October 15th: Elmira Jackals at Reading Royals - 7:00 p.m. SEASON OPENER! Friday, October 21st: Elmira Jackals vs. Norfolk Admirals - 7:05 p.m. HOME OPENER! Saturday, October 22nd: Elmira Jackals vs. Norfolk Admirals - 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, October 25th: Elmira Jackals at Adirondack Thunder - 6:00 p.m.
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ECHL Stories from July 29, 2016
- Monarchs Ink Daniel Doremus to SPC - Manchester Monarchs
- Stingrays Add Pair of Rookie Defensemen to Roster - South Carolina Stingrays
- Jackals Ink Forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian - Elmira Jackals
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