Season Opens Friday
October 15, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release
Elmira, NY- The Elmira Jackals, proud member of the ECHL, ended pre-season play on a winning note, beating the Reading Royals 4-2 in Reading on Monday night. On Friday evening the Jackals look to make it two in a row. This time the contest will count for points as the 2008-2009 ECHL season kicks off Friday at First Arena with a bang.
The Jackals, who finished in second place in the North Division last season, look to continue their winning ways against their top rival, Reading. The Jackals and Royals battled 11 times last season with the Jackals holding the advantage at five wins, four losses and one overtime loss. The Jackals bring back the top two scorers from last years club, Benoit Doucette (83 points/71 games) and Pierre-Luc Flaubert (76 points/72 games). The Jackals also bring in a solid defensive force with veteran Chris St. Croix and second year ECHL blue liner Brandon Roach. The Jackals also look solid in the pipes with Mitch O'Keefe and Central Hockey League Playoff MVP Rob McVicar.
Jackals Head Coach Steve Martinson wasted no time in making the first moves of the season. Defenseman Mike Gauthier was moved to the Alaska Aces for future considerations, while picking up Cody Blanshan from the Stockton Thunder. Blanshan, the 6'1'' 220 pound native of Eagan, Minnesota was drafted in the 8th round (238th overall) by the New York Islanders in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft. The Defenseman spent last season in the Central Hockey League with the Mississippi River Kings where he accumulated 20 points and 118 minutes in penalties.
"Blanshan is a big, physical defenseman that can also play forward." Said Jackals Head Coach Steve Martinson.
Tickets to the Jackals home opener are available now at 734-7825. The party starts at First Arena on Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. with the Block party. Puck drops at 7:35 p.m.
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