Jackals Add More Size
September 25, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
Elmira, NY- With the curtain ready to raise on the 2008-2009 season the Elmira Jackals, proud member of the ECHL, announced Thursday that they have agreed to terms with four more players. Ryan Gibbons, Gord Burnett and Ryan Palmer and Slavomir Tomko are the latest additions to the Jackals roster.
Forward Ryan Gibbons was selected in round number 6 (178th overall) in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft by the Phoenix Coyotes. His professional career started in 2006-2007 when he skated for the Johnstown Chiefs in 57 games. The native of West Vancouver, British Columbia tallied four goals and added eight assists for 12 points in his rookie season. Last season the 6'5'' 220 pound forward split time with the Charlotte Checkers and the Bakersfield Condors while dealing with a serious injury.
"Gibbons had a strong junior career, has since had corrective surgery , I expect him to return to his junior form." said Jackals Head Coach Steve Martinson.
The Jackals defensive core grew with the additions of veteran defensemen Gord Burnett and Ryan Palmer. The 6'1'' 205 pound Burnett finished his college career at St. Scholastica College in 2005-2006. Over the course of four college seasons the native of Regina, Saskatchewan compiled 36 total points and 277 minutes in penalties in 104 games. Burnett has spent his past two seasons in professional hockey, starting with the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL in 2006-2007 and last season in the Central Hockey League with the Laredo Bucks and Youngstown Steelhounds.
Ryan Palmer, who is also a former member of the CHL, will be on the blue line for the Jackals this season. The native of Groton, Massachusetts started his pro campaign in 2006-2007 with the Odessa Jackalopes and the Laredo Bucks, both of the CHL. Palmer spent time last season with the Colorado Eagles before returning to Odessa to finish off the season. In 123 professional games the 6'3'' 215 pounder has accumulated 24 points and 157 minutes in penalties.
"Burnett is a physical guy that had 27 majors last season, he will bring a lot of energy to our line up." Martinson stated. "Palmer is a big, strong, physical defenseman that is an excellent skater. He should help stabilize our blue line."
Zvolen ,Slovakia native Slavomir Tomko has also agreed to terms with the Jackals. The 6' 205 pound defenseman has spent the past four season at the University of Vermont. Over his colligate career, Tomko played in 108 games accumulating 25 points.
"Tomko is a solid defenseman that lead Vermont in plus minus rating last season." Martinson added.
The Jackals open up the pre-season on Thursday, October 9th with a match up against the Reading Royals. Puck drops at 7:05 PM at First Arena. The following two nights, the 10th and 11th, the Jackals host the Trenton Devils at 7:35 PM at First Arena. Tickets are now on sale at the First Arena Box Office.
The Jackals open the regular season on Friday, October 17th against the Reading Royals at 7:35 PM. Join the fun outside of First Arena for the Jackals block party at 5:00 PM and get ready for an excellent pre-game show!
ECHL Stories from September 25, 2008
- Las Vegas Announces Training Camp Schedule - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Gladiators Open House set for October 4th - Atlanta Gladiators
- Cyclones Sign Ben Gordon and Mark Van Guilder - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Bombers Add D'Amour - Dayton Bombers
- RoadRunners Add Andricopoulos, Thurston - Phoenix RoadRunners
- 'Blades add former first round pick to roster - Florida Everblades
- Falcons Add Three More to Roster - Fresno Falcons
- Steelheads Invite Fans To Hockey 101 Icebreaker - Idaho Steelheads
- Chiefs Announce Training Camp Schedule And Preseason Games - Johnstown Chiefs
- Jackals Add More Size - Elmira Jackals
- Checkers Cub Club Partners With Junior Checkmates - Charlotte Checkers
- Defenseman Schwartzbauer Signs With Bombers - Dayton Bombers
- ECHL Announces On-Ice Officials Preseason Training Camp - ECHL
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