Jackals Expand Roster with Signings of Lewicki, Frank
Published on September 3, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
The Elmira Jackals announced Friday that they have signed forward Aaron Lewicki and defenseman Chris Frank to contracts for the 2010-2011 season. The Jackals have now signed seven forwards and five defensemen for their fourth ECHL season.
Lewicki played the last four seasons as Ferris State University (NCAA D-1, CCHA). In his junior and senior seasons for the Bulldogs, he recorded at least 10 goals and 10 assists, with 20 points (10g-10a) in 2008-2009 and 23 points (12g-11a) in 2009-2010.
His collegiate career began with a 15-point (9g-6a) rookie season in 2006-2007 and followed it with 13 points (4g-9a) in his sophomore season.
A native of Livonia, Mich., Lewicki was given the Terry Flanagan Memorial Award at the end of the 2009-2010 season, presented in recognition to a student-athlete for perserverance, dedication, and courage. For more on this story, click here .
"Aaron is a strong, character guy who leads by example. He's very hard-working, a good forechecker, can play an offensive role, a defensive role, and he'll provide lots of energy on the ice," Jackals head coach Malcolm Cameron said.
"My expectations are to have a good year with the team. I've talked to a lot of players who had played college before and they've all said that on a good team, good things happen to individual players." Lewicki said. "I also spoke with [former Jackal and Ferris State Bulldog] Brendan Connolly and he spoke highly of the team."
Frank, a native of Lynnwood, Wash. played four seasons at Western Michigan University (NCAA D-1, CCHA) from 2005-2009. After completing his eligibility with the Broncos, Frank skated 12 games at the end of 2008-2009 with the San Antonio Rampage (AHL), garnering an assist and 35 penalty minutes.
His full rookie season of 2009-2010 saw him play in 68 of the Las Vegas Wranglers' 72 regular season contests, leading the team with 165 penalty minutes while scoring a goal and being credited with six assists.
In college, Frank was one of Western Michigan's most physical players, leading the team in penalty minutes in each of his four seasons. His total of 127 minutes in the penalty box in his freshman season of 2005-2006 was second in NCAA D-1 behind current-Los Angeles King and then-Michigan Wolverine Jack Johnson. Frank's 109 penalty minutes in 2006-2007 were third among Division 1 players, while his 91 PIMs in 2007-2008 placed him ninth in the country.
Frank also factored into the scoresheet in college, notching 34 points (8g-26a) total in his four seasons with the Broncos.
"Chris is a very aggressive player, an excellent hitter, and makes plays in the defensive zone and in front of the net," Cameron said. "He had a great rookie season last year in Las Vegas and he's not afraid to stand up for his teammates. We look for him to be a real solid, defensive, and physical force.
"Malcolm seems like an old school, hard-nosed guy that works hard and wants to win and I feel that I will fit his character and hopefully this season I can progress under him and have a successful year and have some wins under our belt." Frank said. "I hear the hockey fans are great in Elmira."
The Jackals open up the regular season at home on Friday, Oct. 15 against the Cincinnati Cyclones. Season tickets are on sale now. Call (607) 734-PUCK (7825) for more information.
Fans looking to get their hockey fix sooner can stop by the Fifth Annual Elmira Jackals Pro Placement Camp, taking place on Friday, Sept. 3, Saturday, Sept. 4, and Sunday, Sept. 5 at the First Arena Recreational Rink. The event is free to the public.
ECHL Stories from September 3, 2010
- Promising Center Joins Reign - Ontario Reign
- Pyle to Assist at Thrashers Prospects Evaluation Camp - Atlanta Gladiators
- Jackals Expand Roster with Signings of Lewicki, Frank - Elmira Jackals
- Reign Welcome Return of Dusty Collins - Ontario Reign
- Trenton Devils Individual Game Tickets on Sale - Trenton Devils
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.
