Jackals Announce First Signings of the Season
Published on July 28, 2016 under 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 club's first signings for the 2016-17 season. Forward Mark Bennett and defenseman Ian Young return to the Twin Tiers for their second season with the Jackals.
Bennett, 25, appeared in 54 games for the Jackals during his rookie campaign collecting 23 points (nine goals, 14 assists) and a +5 plus/minus. The Oakville, Ontario native finished fourth among team rookies and ranked tenth overall among Jackals' skaters in points.
"I am excited to be back in Elmira this season," said Bennett. "I am looking forward to learning from our new head coach and working towards a Kelly Cup championship."
Prior to turning pro, Bennett skated in 71 NCAA games at Union College helping the Dutchmen win the NCAA Championship and the ECAC Tournament as a junior. The 6-foot 205-pound forward registered 16 points (five goals, 11 assists) and 22 penalty minutes over his four-year career at Union College.
Before attending Union College, Bennett played three seasons for the Oakville Blades (OJHL) notching 105 points (35 goals, 70 assists) in 118 games. He h elped lead Oakville to the Buckland Cup Final in 2010-11 with five goals and eight assists in 23 playoff games. The year prior, Bennett also helped lead the Blades to the Buckland Cup and the Dudley Hewitt Cup.
Young, 24, began his rookie campaign with the Mississippi RiverKings of the SPHL recording 11 assists in 23 games before he was signed by Elmira. The Red Deer, Alberta native appeared in 29 games for the Jackals posting nine points (three goals, six assists) and a +6 plus/minus. Young finished fifth on the team in the plus/minus category.
"It is exciting to get back on board and be a Jackal for another season," said Young. "It should be a fun year. I am looking forward to playing for Dave [Leger] and winning some hockey games."
Prior to turning pro, Young skated in 114 NCAA games for Colorado College registering 19 points (four goals, 15 assists) over the course of four seasons.
Before attending Colorado College, the 6-foot-1 200-pound defenseman suited up for the Chicago Steel and Fargo Force of the USHL logging 38 points (six goals, 32 assists) and 56 penalty minutes in 89 games.
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