Jackals Close out 2014 with a Road Win in Reading
December 31, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY - December 31, 2014 - Sam Marotta turned aside all 25 shots he faced to notch his first professional shutout and propel the Jackals past the Royals 4-0. The Jackals and Royals dropped the puck for the third consecutive meeting to round out 2014, but before either team could score the game's first goal, the gloves were dropped at Santander Arena. Justin Daniels, who opened the season with Reading and skated in five games for the Royals, challenged Adam Hughesman to a fight and rained rights down on his combatant. The first period came to a close with a scoreless tie and a 12-8 shot advantage in favor of Elmira.
Early in the second period the Jackals bench collectively held its breath as Marotta went down in pain following a Royals' rush to the net. With Travis Fullerton in Rochester, Marotta was the only goaltender available unless he suffered an injury. Nick Niedert served as the emergency backup goaltender and could only have entered the game if there was a injury to Marotta. Marotta was able to stay in the game and man the pipes for the Jackals. Justin Daniels drew a double-minor for high sticking against Brandon Alderson with six seconds remaining in the second period, which would turn the tide in the third frame.
The Jackals quickly broke the scoreless tie in the third period with a power-play marker from captain Matt Tassone 1:54 into the frame. Colin Jacobs and Lucas Bloodoff earned the assists on Tassone's team-leading 13th goal of the season. Less than two minutes later Steven Shamanski snuck a shot through the five-hole of Martin Ouellette and doubled the Jackals' advantage. Jacobs and Kevin Hart assisted Shamanski's seventh goal of the season at 3:36 of the period. Jacobs' generosity would pay off at 7:02 of the third period when he benefited from a two-on-one feed from Keith Buehler. Jacobs received the saucer pass in the slot and made a silky deke to the backhand and beat Ouellette for his third of the season. Justin Sawyer also added an assist on Jacobs' tally. One minute and twenty four seconds later Phil Bronner would redirect a point shot past Ouellette for his first ECHL goal. Tassone and Zach Tolkinen earned the helpers on Bronner's first marker. The stifling Jackals defense shutdown the Royals in the final 11 minutes of the third period and helped Marotta record his first pro shutout.
Marotta made 25 saves for his seventh win of the season. Ouellette allowed four goals on 25 shots and suffered the loss. Elmira went 2-for-3 on the power-play and Reading went 0-for-3 with the man advantage.
Don't miss a minute of the action with Jackals season tickets! Call (607) 734-7825 or visit jackalshockey.com to order your season tickets today. Can't make it to every game? No problem! The Jackals are offering 10 and 20-game select and flex ticket plans!
Follow the Jackals at www.jackalshockey.com, on Facebook, Twitter (@JackalsHockey) and Instagram for all the latest news and updates.
Group tickets are a great way to entertain employees, co-workers, clients, friends and family. For more information on discounted group tickets and a list of group benefits, call (607) 734-7825 or visit http://www.jackalshockey.com/groups/.
Officially licensed Elmira Jackals replica team jerseys, apparel and headwear can be purchased online at: http://www.jackalshockey.com/
• Discuss this story on the ECHL message board...
ECHL Stories from December 31, 2014
- Wichita Takes Final Game of 2014 in Missouri - Wichita Thunder
- IceMen Blanked by Mallards in 3-0 Shutout Loss - Evansville IceMen
- Americans Close out 2014 Win a 5-3 Win - Allen Americans
- Cyclones storm past K-Wings on New Year's Eve - Kalamazoo Wings
- Mosher, Mallards Blank Evansville 3-0 - Quad City Mallards
- Rush Fall on NYE - Rapid City Rush
- Cyclones Close 2014 with Convincing 5-2 Win over Wings - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Fuel Falter in Fort Wayne, 6-3 - Indy Fuel
- Jackals Close out 2014 with a Road Win in Reading - Elmira Jackals
- Royals Fire a New Year's Eve Dud against Elmira, 4-0 - Reading Royals
- Everblades Slip Past Stingrays 2-0 - South Carolina Stingrays
- Andy Iles Earns Shutout as 'Blades Close 2014 with 2-0 Win - Florida Everblades
- ECHL Transactions - December 31 - ECHL
- Walleye Ice Beast 5-2 on a Frozen-Themed New Years Eve - Brampton Beast
- Americans Host Annual New Year's Eve Game Tonight vs. Rapid City - Allen Americans
- Thunder and Reign on Fan Painted Ice Tonight - Stockton Thunder
- Austin Levi Heads to Charlotte - Stockton Thunder
- Countdown to Face-Off: Kalamazoo Wings vs Cincinnati Cyclones - Kalamazoo Wings
- Game Preview - Ontario Reign at Stockton Thunder - Ontario Reign
- Mike Flanagan Named Assistant Coach - Atlanta Gladiators
- Cyclones Game Preview - Cincinnati at Kalamazoo - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Bunz Reassigned to Wichita - Wichita Thunder
- Game Day Capsule: Wichita at Missouri - Wichita Thunder
- Wheeling Nailers Weekly Report - Wheeling Nailers
- Jackals and Royals Clash in New Year's Eve Showdown - Elmira Jackals
- ECHL Today - December 31 - ECHL
- Stingrays Game Preview: Stingrays Ring in the New Year Tonight against Florida - South Carolina Stingrays
- Reign Stifle Thunder for 3-1 Victory - Ontario Reign
- Sivak Scores First, Blackwater Beats Thunder - Stockton Thunder
- Flath Records OT Winner vs. Missouri - Wichita Thunder
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.
