Beast of the East Add Four Forwards
September 14, 2006 - International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Elmira Jackals News Release
Elmira, NY - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have signed forward Marc Lefebvre and rookie forwards Brant Becker, Brad Mcnab and David Poulin to contracts for the upcoming season. The Jackals also announced that they have inked formal agreements with five of the seven players invited to training camp from the Jackals Pro Placement Camp. All of these signings bring the Jackals total to 24 players signed by the Jackals for the 2006-2007 Season.
"These signings are yet another indication that we will have a very competitive training camp this year," said General Manager Robbie S. Nichols. "These four players come in with very strong recommendations and hopefully they will be wonderful surprises and be great Jackals players. Our total number of players signed to date also confirms that every player must come to camp in top physical condition and be mentally ready to earn a spot on our roster."
4th year pro Marc Lefebvre joins the Jackals looking to make his professional debut in North America. Lefebvre (pronounced Lah-fabe) has played three seasons in the British Ice Hockey Super League (EIHL) for the Sheffield Steelers and the Coventry Blaze. In 136 games played over that time, the 24-year old had 37 points (16 goals, 21 assists) and had 211 penalty minutes and he helped lead Sheffield to the 2003-04 EIHL Regular Season and Playoff championship. The Kanata, Ontario native played three seasons of major junior hockey in the OHL for the Ottawa 67's and the Sarnia Sting.
"Marc is a very hard worker, who plays with a grinding style," said Nichols. "He was also a teammate of Jackals forward Erik Anderson in England for two seasons with Sheffield."
Although classified as a rookie by United Hockey League rules, forward Brant Becker is actually in his third full season as a professional. Becker played in Europe last season for the Crimmitschau ETC and the Stuttgart Wizards both of the German Oberliga. Combined between the two teams, the Medicine Hat, Alberta native scored 32 points (15 goals, 17 assists) and 75 PIMs in 30 games played. During his first full season as a professional in 2004-05, Becker played for the Swindon Wildcats of the English National Premier League; he had 30 points (18 goals, 12 assists) and 38 PIMs in 16 games. The 25-year old, who will turn 26 on Saturday, played two seasons of Canadian College hockey for Red Deer College and South Alberta Institute of Technology. He also played four games in the UHL for the Fort Wayne Komets back in the 2001-02 season where he recorded one assist.
"Brant comes very highly recommended from some of our scouts in Alberta," said Jackals Head Coach Kris Waltze. "He had 99 points in the SJHL in 2000 and had a very successful season last year in Germany."
Unlike Becker, who has already played professional hockey, rookie forward David Poulin is looking to make his pro debut. The 21-year old from St.-Lin, Quebec has spent four seasons playing Junior hockey in Canada in both the QJAHL and the QMJHL. During his last year, the 2004-05 season, Poulin scored 55 points (28 goals, 27 assists) and added 75 penalty minutes in just 47 games played for the Joliette L'Action of the QJAHL.
"David is another young player who has great offensive ability," said Nichols. "He averaged more than a point per game in Juniors and we expect great things from him with the Jackals."
The Jackals have also signed rookie forward Brad Macnab. The 21-year old, who is listed at 6'0, 185 lbs, will turn 22 on October 13th, the night of the Jackals season opener against Kalamazoo. The Valleyview, Alberta native has put up some stifling numbers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). In 122 games played for the St. Albert Saints and the Spruce Grove Saints, Macnab has 125 points (69 goals, 56 assists) and 115 penalty minutes.
"I saw Brad play junior hockey in Alberta," said Coach Waltze. "He put up very impressive numbers there and I have no doubts that he will do the same at the UHL level."
In other news the Jackals have reached agreements with five of the seven players invited from the Jackals Pro Placement Camp to the Jackals 2006 Training Camp. Forwards Jason Kwon and Ryan Velcich, defensemen Justin Schmit and Dan Veenema and goaltender Calle Brattenberger all signed with the team, making them official Jackals property. Two other Placement Camp participants, forward CJ Rumsey and goaltender Leni DiCostanzo, were also invited by Elmira and will be attending the Jackals Training Camp.
The Elmira Jackals are gearing up for their seventh season of operations in the United Hockey League and the Twin Tiers. Season tickets for the 2006-2007 UHL season are on sale now as well as individual game tickets and 10 & 20-game packages at the First Arena Box Office. For more information call 607-734-PUCK.
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International Hockey League 2 Stories from September 14, 2006
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