Jackals Weekly

December 12, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


The Elmira Jackals (14-10-0-0) took two of three games from the Florida Everblades last week as the club continued its season-high seven-game road trip. The Jackals, winners of seven of the last eight games, enter the 10th week of the 2011-2012 season tied with the Wheeling Nailers for the top spot in the Atlantic Division with 28 points.

On Wednesday, the Jackals played their first ever regular-season contest in Estero, Fla., scoring first for the first time since Nov. 19, overcoming a one-goal deficit in the second period, and getting a late game-winning goal from Mike Radja for a 5-4 victory.

Elmira's six-game winning streak came to an end on Friday in an 8-2 setback, as Florida scored three goals in both the second and third periods for the win. Artem Demkov notched a power-play tally while Kevin King scored his first professional goal late in the third period. The loss was the Jackals' first since Nov. 25.

The Jackals overcame an early deficit and lengthy delay on Saturday night, taking the rubber match against the Everblades, 4-2. After Justin Shugg scored for Florida just 3:15 into the first period to take the early lead, the game was paused for nearly 20 minutes as thousands of stuffed animals were thrown onto and then cleaned up off the ice on Florida's Teddy Bear Toss Night. The Jackals waited out the early celebration, and proceeded to score the game's next four goals. Rob Bellamy struck at 4:27 of the opening period to tie the game, 1-1. After Louie Caporusso put Elmira in front halfway through the game with his second goal of the season, Matt Campanale finished off a centering pass from Jean Bourbeau with the Jackals short handed at 19:30 of the middle frame, giving the Jackals a 3-1 lead. Mario Larocque dialed in a power-play goal in the third period to add insurance for Elmira. Goaltender Brian Stewart was named the game's first star, setting aside 32 of 34 shots for his 10th win of the season.

This week, Elmira heads to Hoffman Estates, Ill. for its first ever meeting with the Chicago Express on Friday at 7:30 p.m. The Jackals will be facing off against former head coach Steve Martinson, who is now at the helm of the Express. No current Jackals played under Martinson when he coached Elmira from 2007-2010. Elmira closes out the week on Saturday in Kalamazoo, battling the K-Wings for the final time in the 2011-2012 season at 7:30 p.m.

Elmira returns home to host Wheeling on Dec. 26 on 4-for-$44 night. To reserve your seats call (607) 734-PUCK (7825), visit the First Arena Box Office, or log onto JackalsHockey.com.

RIVET RINGS IN FIRST GOAL AS A JACKAL

Jackals defenseman Craig Rivet scored his first ECHL goal on Wednesday in Florida, one-timing a shot off the cross bar and into the net during the second period. Rivet, who scored 50 goals in 923-career NHL games, is tied for Elmira's lead in plus-minus at +8. The North Bay, Ontario native was the Jackals' nominee for the ECHL Player of the Week Award, also contributing three assists on the week for four points and checking in at +3 in the three contests. Rivet is tied for second in the ECHL among defensemen with eight power-play assists.

CAPTAIN MARIO CONTRIBUTES IN ALL AREAS

Jackals captain Mario Larocque is now sixth among ECHL defensemen and leads Elmira blue-liners with 15 points (4g-11a), scoring a goal and adding two assists this past week. The Montreal, Quebec native is also second on the club with 40 penalty minutes. Larocque has points in 13 of 21 games this season and has registered a goal or an assist in seven of the last nine contests.

POWER PLAY CONTINUES TO CONNECT

Elmira is now fourth in the league on the power play at 22.4% and has registered a man-advantage strike in five-consecutive games. The Jackals were 2/2 on the power play on Wednesday, marking the fourth time this season Elmira scored multiple times on the power play in a game. Larocque's goal on Saturday was Elmira's first on the five-on-three in 2011-2012.

4-FOR-$44 NIGHT APPROACHING

The Jackals will host their annual 4-for-$44 night on Dec. 26 in a crucial Atlantic Division battle with Wheeling, with the puck dropping at 7:05 p.m. at First Arena.

This season's 4-for-$44 package offers an incredible $304 value.

For just $44 fans will receive:

- Four tickets to the Jackals' game on Dec. 26

- Four hot dogs

- Four sodas

- Four chuck-a-pucks

- Four cups of coffee at Express Cafe

- Four king size DeMet's Turtle Candy Bars

- Four level one tanning sessions at DarkTan

- Four one-week memberships to Grand Central Fitness in Horseheads

- Four Elmira postcards from Cappy's in Elmira

- Four sidekicks at Texas Roadhouse in Horseheads

- Four games of bowling at Johnny's Bowling Lanes in Watkins Glen

Quantities are limited, so fans are encouraged to purchase their 4-for-$44 package soon. Call (607) 734-PUCK (7825) or visit the First Arena Box Office today to reserve yours.



ECHL Stories from December 12, 2011


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.

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