Jackals Line Up Explodes With Fire Power

September 11, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


Elmira, NY- Fire power. That's what the Elmira Jackals, a proud member of the ECHL, have added today. Defenseman Chris St. Croix and forwards Tyler Hirsch, Steve Yetman and Josh Aspendlind all have histories of being offensive, all four have agreed to terms.

The Jackals added veteran experience on the blue line with the addition of Chris St. Croix. Entering his 10th year of pro, St Croix brings vast experience. Selected 92nd overall by the Calgary Flames in the 1997 NHL entry Draft, St. Croix has spent time in the AHL, 2.GBun and the ECHL. In his first four seasons, the native of Voorhees, New Jersey accumulated 227 games in the AHL. St. Criox has also amassed some impressive ECHL numbers. In the 96 games he played for the Columbia Inferno (2002-2003,2003-2004) Chris netted 20 goals and added 62 assists to compliment his 147 minutes in penalties. Most recently playing for the Landshut Cannibals of the 2.GBun, the 6'3'' defenseman had 30 points in 48 games in 2007-2008. St. Criox will join former Jackals forward Chaz Johnson at the Ottawa Senators upcoming training camp.

"With Chris St. Croix and Brandon Roach anchoring our power play, we should have plenty of fire power. We are also looking for Chris to provide leadership and stability for a relatively young defense." Martinson added.

Up front the Jackals will use former University of Minnesota stand out Tyler Hirsch. The 5'9'' 180 pounder lead the Golden Gophers in scoring in 2004-2005 with 11 goals and 33 assists in 40 games played. The native of Bloomington, Minnesota played in 40 games in the ECHL last season with the Johnstown Chiefs and the Stockton Thunder were he racked up a combined 13 goals and 22 assist for 35 points. Fellow forward Steve Yetman will bring more size and experience to the line up. Weighing in at 210 pounds and standing 6'1'', the native of St. Johns, New Foundland skated in Denmark last season for the Esbjerg EFB where he netted 20 points in 21 games. His top professional season was marked in 2005-2006 when he skated for Jackals Head Coach Steve Martinson in Rockford. The IceHogs were entertained by his 60 point effort in 74 games.

"Yetman has great speed and is an excellent passer, he is the kind of center that players want to play with. Tyler also has a ton of talent, he turned our defense inside out on a goal last year, I just shook my head" Martinson said. "I think it will be a big plus for Tyler to start the season with us."

Yetman will attend the Hamilton Bulldogs camp while Hirsch will travel down Route 17 to attend Binghamton's camp.

Along with Hirsch and Yetman, forward Josh Aspenlind is no stranger to turning the red light on. The native of Langley, British Columbia played five years of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League (WHL). In the span of 257 games Aspenlind totaled 62 goals, 70 assist and 487 penalty minutes. In his final season in the WHL he contributed 57 points in 71 games to the Chilliwack Bruins. Picking up right were he left off in junior, the 5'11'' 190 pound forward banged home 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points in 76 games last season for the Port Huron Icehawks of the IHL.

"Aspenlind is a character player that can play many different roles. Josh will be attending the Lake Eire Monsters tryout camp in late September." Martinson stated.

***

The Elmira Jackals open their second season in the ECHL on October 9th with a pre-season match up against the Reading Royals, puck drops at 7:05 PM. The following two nights, the 10th and 11th, the Jackals host the Trenton Devils at 7:35 PM. All home games are played at the First Arena. For tickets call 734-PUCK .

The Jackals open the regular season on Friday, October 17th, as they host the Reading Royals in a 7:35 p.m. face-off at First Arena. It's a playoff rematch from last spring and the first of six visits by the Royals to Elmira this season. Along with Reading, the Kelly Cup champion Cincinnati Cyclones visit First Arena four times in renewing two of Elmira's fiercest rivalries from their first season in the ECHL. Guarantee your seat to these rivalry games amongst the 36 home games at First Arena by becoming a 2008-2009 season ticket holder today! Call 607-734-PUCK (7825) for more information.



ECHL Stories from September 11, 2008


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.

OurSports Central