Jaffray In A Familiar Place...

Published on December 14, 2004 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Cleveland Barons News Release


A mini two-game series with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, in which the two teams play for the Labatt Blue Cup, is having major repercussions for the Barons. Out of the line-up will be second-leading scorer Marcel Goc, fourth leading scorer Tomas Plihal, and second leading defensive scorer Garrett Stafford.

What does that mean for the Barons? It is time to see some new faces.

When the Barons skate out of the tunnel for tonight's game against St. John's on Tuesday night, you will see a #13. In that sweater is left wing Jason Jaffray, fresh from the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL.

It may be the first time for many Barons fans to see Jaffray, but he has been noticed by several people in the Sharks/Barons system. In fact, Barons Vice President of Hockey and Business Operations, Michael Mudd just watched Jaffray over the weekend. Consulting with Barons General Manager Wayne Thomas , the two decided on Jaffray to replace the injured Plihal and Goc.

"He was by far the best player on the ice [when I saw him] this weekend," said Mudd. "But more importantly, he has proven to be one of the top players at the ECHL level and we want to see what he can do here."

Mudd is correct on Jaffray's track record. In his first season as a professional in 2002-03, the Olds, Alberta native earned the ECHL Rookie of the Year Award by posting 85 points (34-51-85) in 64 games with Roanoake. He was also a First Team All-ECHL member and a member of the ECHL All-Rookie Team.

In 2003-04, Jaffray continued to produce. In his first season with Wheeling , the 6'1", 204-pound left wing led the team in scoring and finished 14 th in the ECHL with his 74 points (37-37-74) in 54 games.

This season, Jaffray's scoring is down a bit. But don't let that mislead you. Wheeling is playing a different style of hockey centered around their goaltender Dany Sabourin, who appeared in four games with the Calgary Flames last season.

" Wheeling has a different team from last season," said Jaffray. "Last season, we were winning games 6-5 or 7-6. This season, it is a lot more conservative and our games are lower-scoring. Dany is an NHL-caliber goalie and we rely on him a great deal."

Jaffray, a very well-spoken 23-year-old, has some history with some of the Barons. In fact, his history goes back to his PeeWee days.

"I played with Shane Joseph and his dad was our coach when I was a kid," remembered Jaffray, who lived in Brooks , Alberta , the same city as Joseph growing up. "I lived there for 10 years and saw a lot of Shane."

Jaffray and Joseph will be reunited tonight as they will be featured on the same line. Grant Stevenson will center the two point-producing wings. He is also a native of Alberta .

When asked how the adjustment will go, the three players are confident that it will go well.

"He's always been one of the best skaters on the ice, no matter where he has played," said Joseph. "I think you will see big things from the Alberta line."

Stevenson agreed, "We'll be fine together. It is a little different to be matched up with a new guy, but we are professionals. We'll adapt and make some good things happen out there."

While confident that he will blend in, Jaffray would have liked a little more time to adjust. "I wish I had more than one practice under my belt, but Grant and Shane were great. They were constantly talking to me on the ice and I think that we will be fine."

For Jaffray, it isn't the first time that he has been placed in a new environment. In each of his first two seasons, he was called up to play in the AHL. In 2002-03, it was a 2-game stint in Norfolk . Last season, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton used his services for 5 games. But this call-up is different.

"I was in San Jose 's training camp two years ago. So it is nice knowing some of the guys coming in here," quipped the AHL rookie. "My experience in the AHL, especially in Wilkes-Barre , is very beneficial. I've gotten to know the speed of the game here and that helps."

Usually, when a player gets a call-up to a higher league, his goal is to get noticed. While that is Jaffray's main goal, his mindset at accomplishing it is a bit unorthodox.

"I want to be noticed by not getting noticed. The game is a couple steps quicker here, so I want to be able to blend in with the speed. If I am playing at the same level, or even higher, than the other guys on the ice, I will just blend in."

Tomas Plihal doesn't think he will have a problem blending in. And Plihal knows first hand. They were teammates in the Western Hockey League as members of Kootenay in 2001-02.

"We played on the power play together," stated Plihal. "He will make the switch to this level just fine."

When asked to describe what type of play we can expect from Jaffray, the Czech-native summed it up like this, "He is a strong guy that moves the puck well. He will get in front of the net and will create a lot of screens."

Now that you are introduced to Jason, come down to the National City Rink located in Gund Arena tonight. It will be your first look at the Alberta line.

THE BIG LABENSKI

Defenseman Greg Labenski was recalled today from Kalamazoo of the UHL. Labenski appeared in 8 games for the Barons this season before being reassigned. Labenski was recalled due to the suspension of defenseman Garrett Stafford, who will miss two games due to his incidental high-stick on the Mighty Ducks Chris Kunitz.

INJURY UPDATE

Marcel Goc (wrist) and Tomas Plihal (shoulder) are both out indefinitely. There is no timetable set for their return. Also, Garrett Stafford suffered a broken nose on Sunday. He is able to play.

Scott Ford skated for the first time on Monday. While there was no cutting or stopping and starting, it is a step in the right direction.

"It felt good to get out there and skate for the first time," stated Ford. "I really missed being out there but I am feeling good."

There is no timetable for Ford's return either.

CARKNER'S CHRISTMAS

Matt and Kary Carkner are organizing the Second Annual Carkner's Christmas, in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cleveland. Each Barons player and coach will purchase three needs and wants for a member of Big Brothers Big Sisters Cleveland that is at a high level of need. On Wednesday, December 15th and Thursday, December 16th, the Carkner's will join Santa Clause and SlapShark and deliver the presents to the children's schools. On the 15th, they will visit Mary Bethune at 1pm and Alfred Benesch at 2pm . On the 16th, they will visit RG Jones at 1pm and Harrison Elementary at 2:30pm . The Cleveland Hockey Booster Club is also getting involved and adopting three children as well.

RECORD SETTER

Matt Carkner will break the Cleveland Barons franchise record for games played when he suits up against the Maple Leafs tonight. It will mark his 197th game with the Barons, breaking the previous record set by Miroslav Zalesak, who played in 196 games.

RISSMILLER STILL SEARCHING

Patrick Rissmiller is still searching for his 100 th career AHL point. The forward has 36 goals and 63 assists in his three-year career with the Barons. Rissmiller has been held pointless in the last four games. He is third on the Barons with 14 points this season ( 8-6-14 ).

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American Hockey League Stories from December 14, 2004


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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