Jackals Sign a Trio of Forwards
August 10, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
ELMIRA, NY - August 10, 2016 - The Elmira Jackals, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today the team has signed forwards Colin Murray, Kyle Rankin and Zach Luczyk to Standard Player Contracts for the 2016-17 season. Murray, 26, joins the Jackals for his third professional season after skating for the Kalamazoo Wings, Evansville Icemen, Brampton Beast and Indy Fuel in his first two pro campaigns. The six-foot-four 215-pound forward registered 16 points (nine goals, seven assists) in 45 combined games between Kalamazoo, Brampton and Indy last season. As a rookie, Murray recorded 18 points (10 goals, eight assists) and 34 penalty minutes in 58 combined contests with Kalamazoo and Evansville.
"I am beyond excited to join the Jackals organization," said Murray. "October can't come quick enough!" Prior to turning pro, the Oshawa, Ontario native competed in 85 games over four seasons at Castleton State College. Murray set career highs and led the team with 17 assists and 24 points in 26 games as a senior. In his collegiate career, Murray posted 70 points (30 goals, 40 assists) and 62 penalty minutes. Rankin, 23, will skate in his first full professional season with Elmira after appearing in six contests at the conclusion of last year with the Brampton Beast.
"I am extremely excited to join the Elmira Jackals for the 2016-17 season," said Rankin. "Elmira is a club that boasts a tradition of excellence on and off the ice, a tradition I look forward to contributing positively towards each day. I can't wait to get to work with management, the coaching staff, and my teammates in the fall." Prior to turning pro, the Kanata, Ontario native suited up for the Princeton Tigers. While serving as a team captain during his season season, Rankin earned the Richard E. Vaughan Cup, which is awarded to the varsity player who best exemplifies perseverance and dedication to Princeton Hockey. The six-foot-one 200-pound forward set a career high with 10 points (three goals, seven assists) as a junior and alternate captain of the Tigers. In 117 NCAA games, Rankin logged 31 points (10 goals, 21 assists). He was named to the ECAC All-Academic Team in each of his four seasons at Princeton University. Luczyk, 24, comes to the Twin Tiers after beginning his professional career with the Rapid City Rush at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season. The five-foot-11 200-pound forward notched three points (one goal, two assists) in 12 games for the Rush after completing his collegiate career at Sacred Heart University.
"I am so excited and fortunate to have the opportunity to play my rookie season in Elmira," said Luczyk. "I have heard so many good things about the community and their unconditional support for the Jackals which only adds to the excitement. I look forward to the start of the season and beginning my professional hockey career as well as becoming an active member in such a dedicated fan-base hockey town. I am grateful to Coach [Dave] Leger for giving me the prospect of being part of his team and looking forward to having a great winning season." Luczyk recorded 52 points (23 goals, 29 assists) and 122 penalty minutes in 73 games over two seasons at Sacred Heart University. He transferred to Sacred Heart from Quinnipiac University where he added four points in 16 NCAA contests. Before competing collegiately, the Charlton, Massachusetts native posted 129 points (67 goals, 62 assists) and 123 penalty minutes in 90 games for the Boston Jr. Bruins in the EJHL. Luczyk was named the 2012 EJHL MVP and participated in the EJHL All-Star Game after collecting 77 points (33 goals, 44 assists) in 45 games during the 2011-12 season. Additionally, the Jackals have added five players on tryout agreements. Goaltender Dalton McGrath, defenseman Mark Corbett, and forwards Tommy Fiorentino, Charlie Mosey and Jeremy Beirnes will join the Jackals at the team's training camp in October. McGrath, 24, has appeared in 41 professional games over the last two seasons in the ECHL, SPHL and FHL. Last season, the Brampton, Ontario native posted a 7-6-2 record, 2.73 goals-against-average and a .915 save percentage in 17 games for the Danville Dashers (FHL). He also appeared in three SPHL games for the Mississippi RiverKings and the Peoria Rivermen. McGrath made his ECHL debut with the Brampton Beast during the 2014-15 season. Corbett, 25, skated in 49 SPHL games for the Peoria Rivermen last season recording 12 points (four goals, eight assists) and a +18 plus/minus. The Burlington, Ontario native has accrued 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 65 professional games in the SPHL and FHL. Prior to turning pro, the six-foot-three 210-pound defenseman appeared in 103 CIS games over four seasons at Ryerson University. Fiorentino, 24, played the last two seasons in the France2 league for Reims and Nantes recording 55 points (30 goals, 25 assists) in 50 games. Prior to turning pro, the New Hartford, New York native captained Hobart College as a senior and registered 52 points (27 goals, 25 assists) in 102 NCAA III games. Mosey, 25, recorded 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 56 games for the Mississippi RiverKings last season in his first professional campaign. Prior to turning pro, the Prior Lake, Minnesota native compiled 34 points (10 goals, 24 assists) in 110 NCAA games at Dartmouth College. Beirnes, 28, has collected 10 points (eight goals, two assists) and 331 penalty minutes in 66 SPHL games over two seasons with the Huntsville Havoc. The Edson, Alberta native sandwiched his time with Huntsville around five seasons at the University of Alberta-Augustana, where he logged 32 points (21 goals, 11 assists) and 496 penalty minutes in 93 games. 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! 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/ # # # Like us on Facebook xgTCHL9GQqglyWyBTJg4ccxZ67Ozd4DfwcsR0eoQA==] Follow us on Twitter QqglyWyBTJg4ccxZ67Ozd4DfwcsR0eoQA==] View our videos on YouTube bIpAPVpOt95vxgTCHL9GQqglyWyBTJg4ccxZ67Ozd4DfwcsR0eoQA==]
Upcoming Games: Friday, October 7th: Elmira Jackals at Reading Royals - 7:00 p.m. Preseason Game Saturday, October 8th: Elmira Jackals vs. Reading Royals - 7:05 p.m. Preseason Game Saturday, October 15th: Elmira Jackals at Reading Royals - 7:00 p.m. SEASON OPENER! Friday, October 21st: Elmira Jackals vs. Norfolk Admirals - 7:05 p.m. HOME OPENER! Saturday, October 22nd: Elmira Jackals vs. Norfolk Admirals - 7:05 p.m. Tuesday, October 25th: Elmira Jackals at Adirondack Thunder - 6:00 p.m.
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