Board Approves Expansion Membership For Elmira

Published on April 13, 2007 under ECHL (ECHL) News Release

PRINCETON, N.J. - The ECHL announced on Friday that the Board of Governors has unanimously approved the membership application of the Elmira Jackals for admission to the ECHL.

Elmira is scheduled to begin play in October when the ECHL will celebrate its 20th Anniversary as the Premier ‘AA' Hockey League.

"The ECHL is pleased to welcome Elmira to our North Division," said ECHL Commissioner Brian McKenna. "Seven years of operational experience, a modern facility and a good geographical fit make Elmira a natural fit for our league. I am sure the fans of Elmira will enjoy ECHL hockey for many years to come."

"We are thrilled to be a team in the North Division of the ECHL," said Jackals team president Tamer Afr. "This move for the Jackals is a perfect fit for both the team and our fans. Geographically our team travel schedule will be much more cost effective and much less grueling on our players. We will develop instant rivalries with our closest opponents, Reading, Johnstown and Trenton and their proximity will allow our fans to take less daunting road trips within our division. We feel that joining the ECHL is the first step towards bringing our organization to the next level."

The Jackals are owned by Dr. Mostafa M. Afr, who is also the owner and operator of First Arena, a 4,000-seat multi-purpose facility that opened in November 2000 in Downtown Elmira.

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