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Jackal Bites

October 14, 2002 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


The Elmira Jackals earned three of a possible four points from their opening weekend, taking Friday's home opener from Missouri by a 3-2 count, and earning a shootout point against Adirondack with a 4-3 final.

Friday night saw the third home opener in Jackals history kick off with special pre-game ceremonies that included the unfurling of their 2001-02 UHL Eastern Conference Championship Banner. Fans cheered as the team was introduced within the darkened arena, and last season's playoff highlights played over the loudspeakers. The Jackals were ready to take on the Missouri River Otters and open their third season.

The game started out well for the Jackals, with David Lessard putting the team up 1-0 on a power play goal. Randy Murphy and Brad Wingfield picked up assists on the goal that saw last season's most productive trio pick up right where they left off. In the second period, it was Wingfield's turn to score with an assist from Lessard to make it 2-0. Lonnie Loach would mark on the power play in the third period to make it 2-1, and Dustin Whitecotton followed his own rebound to tie the game at two in the third, but with 2:38 remaining in regulation time, Eddy Lowe and Liam Garvey teamed up to spring Mike Thompson, who split the River Otter defense and fired a shot over the outstretched right pad of Brian Regan to give the Jackals the 3-2 win in regulation.

Saturday night saw the Adirondack IceHawks come back to town after the two teams split a home and home in the pre-season. The Jackals would fall behind early as JC Ruid scored twice in the first period to give Adirondack the 2-0 lead. Elmira would come back, however, as Aaron Phillips stole the puck in front of the IceHawks net, deked both Doug Schmidt and goaltender Tyler MacKay, and scored a shorthanded goal to make it 2-1. Mike Hofstrand would strike just under four minutes later, taking a great lead pass from Phillips while breaking in behind the ‘Hawks defense for a breakaway goal. Liam Garvey also picked up an assist on the goal to tie the game at two.

The IceHawks would then come back as Frank Littlejohn cashed in to give his team a 3-2 lead, but Liam Garvey scored another shorthanded goal with help from Randy Murphy to tie the game at three. Neither team would score in the third period, but the Jackals did put 16 shots on goal in the final stanza. In the shootout, Adirondack would score three times against only two for the Jackals, and the IceHawks skated away with the two points, and Elmira earned a single shootout point.

The Jackals released defenseman Geoff O'Leary following Friday's contest to make room for Adam Borzecki (bor-JEN-ski) who was sent down from Syracuse in time for Saturday's game. Elmira also got Kris Mallette back from suspension on Saturday night. The 6-3 rearguard was serving the final game of a four game suspension incurred last year while with Asheville.

The Jackals will now prepare for a two game weekend set against Fort Wayne on Friday and Port Huron on Saturday. Both games are at the Coach USA Center, and will start at 7 pm. Pre-game show on WiNGZ 104.9 FM will start at 6:30 pm. Join Tom Callahan and Dave Clark as they bring you all the Jackals Hockey action live!

Player And Goaltender of the Week Nominations: Liam Garvey – D 1g, 2a, +2 in two games this weekend.

Friday night against Missouri he collected an assist on the game winning goal by Mike Thompson with 2:38 left in the third period. He finished the game even with two shots on goal and no PIMs. Saturday Garvey assisted on the Jackals' second goal and scored the tying third goal on a shorthanded two on one. He finished the game with five shots and a +2 rating, and zero PIMs. Jeremy Symington – G 1-0-1 2.50 GAA .942 save %

Symington turned away 26 of 28 shots in defeating Missouri 3-2 on Friday night, and stopped 23 of 26 Saturday against Missouri and three of six in the shootout in earning a shootout point for the Jackals.

JACKAL BITES:

- Elmira's two shorthanded goals on Saturday night vs. Adirondack represents the first time in team history they have score multiple shorthanded goals in one game. (Liam Garvey, Aaron Phillips)

- Elmira is now 3-0 all time in home openers after beating Missouri on Friday night. They have beaten Knoxville (11/11/00, 5-2), Port Huron (10/12/01, 6-5), and now the River Otters (10/11/02, 3-2)

- David Lessard, Brad Wingfield, and Randy Murphy combined for six points in two games over the weekend for the Jackals.

- The Jackals play seven of their first nine games at home this year, and will face Muskegon for the first time in a rematch of last year's Colonial Cup Finals on Halloween.

- Liam Garvey's three points this weekend saw him in on half of all goals scored.

- Elmira has not lost a game to a Western Conference opponent at home since 12/28/01 against Flint (6-3).

The Jackals Coach's Show this week will feature Aaron Phillips and Liam Garvey. The Coach's Show is broadcast live from Patrick's, 303 College Ave. in downtown Elmira at 7 pm on WiNGZ 104.9. Join Tom Callahan, Head Coach Todd Brost, and WiNGZ's own Joe Munroe for an hour of all things Jackals!

Tickets are still available for this weekend's games against the Fort Wayne Komets and Port Huron Beacons. Seats may be purchased through all Ticket Master locations, online at www.TicketMaster.com, or charge by phone at (607) 722-3711. You may also come to the Coach USA Center Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday's 10 am to 4 pm.

The Jackals Monthly Dinner Series starts tonight at Horigan's Restaurant, at 365 Davis St. at 6 pm. Come and join the Jackals as they kick off their 2002-03 Season with dinner, trivia, and lots of fun! No reservations are required at Horigan's, where Irish Hospitality Is Always On Tap!



ECHL Stories from October 14, 2002


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.

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