Jacks Dismiss Matt Cressman; Hire Former Jack Greg Gatto as Head Coach on Interim Basis

Published on February 28, 2014 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Odessa Jackalopes News Release

ODESSA, TX - The Odessa Jackalopes, members of the North American Hockey League, announce that first year Head Coach Matt Cressman has been dismissed from the team. Cressman was in his 13th season in the organization (6th as a player, 7th as a coach) before he learned last night that he had been removed from his position.

The Jacks have hired Cressman's former teammate, Greg Gatto to take over the reins for the final 10 games.

Gatto spent the last nine seasons in his native Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada with the University of Lethbridge where he compiled a record of 80-143-20.

This is not Gatto's first tenure as coach of the Jacks. In 2003-04, Gatto was an assistant to legendary Jackalopes bench boss Don McKee. Gatto also notched 19 goals and 18 assists along with 143 penalty minutes in 2002-03 as a player with the Jacks.

Gatto will be on the bench this evening when the Jacks take on the Wichita Falls Wildcats at 7:17pm from the Ector County Coliseum. Tickets to tonight's game are available at the Jackalopes Business Office or online at www.jackalopes.org/tickets You can also listen to the game on the Jackalopes flagship station, Classic Rock 102.1 FM KFZX or watch online at http://www.nahl.fasthockey.com

In 2013-14, the Odessa Jackalopes will embark upon their third season in the North American Hockey League and 17th in the Permian Basin. Single game tickets are on sale now! To reserve your seats, contact the Jackalopes' ticket office today at 432-552-7825 or log on to www.jackalopes.org for more information.

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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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