Teslak Locked In

Published on April 17, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


Elmira, NY- When talking about the ECHL American Conference North Division Semifinal between the Elmira Jackals and the Trenton Devils one topic is bound to arise, Michael Teslak. The Elmira Goaltender has gone 3-0 and has put the Jackals in position to stamp their ticket to North Division Finals on Saturday night in game number five.

The Jackals regular season MVP has been the topic of conversation for good reason in the post season turning in a 1.22 goals against average and a 0.963 save percentage. The Devils had been stumped by the Michigan Tech product from the 10:43 mark in the third period of game one, all the way through the 3:33 mark of the third period of game four. That's 178 minutes and 51 seconds of shutout hockey.

The native of Fernie, British Columbia has seen 134 shots in the 2009 Kelly Cup Playoffs turning aside all but five. He currently ranks third in goals against average, save percentage and shutouts in the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Only behind Alaska goalie Jean-Philippe Lamoureux (0.98 gaa 0.970 save percentage 2 shutouts, 2-1 record) and Victoria's Todd Ford (1.00 gaa 0.973 save percentage 1 shutout, 3-0 record), Teslak has logged the most minutes in the post season with 246.

At the biggest times in the series Teslak has made his biggest saves. Just to name five of the 129, starting midway through the first overtime in game number one, Teslak robbed Trevor Kell at the goal line with the paddle of the goal stick. In the second overtime, Brad Snettsinger was denied by the glove of Teslak on a breakaway. In game number three the First Arena awarded Teslak a standing ovation after he stoned Jeff Prough with the glove on a turn over in the defensive zone. The second shot of game four was again denied with the glove as Teslak fell into the splits fully extended.

The 23 year old is no stranger to playoff hockey. In 2005 Teslak recorded a 21-9-0 mark with the Prince George Spruce Kings of the British Columbia Junior Hockey League, only to be picked up in the post season by the Surrey Eagles , a team he carried to a BCHL championship. The following seasons Teslak was the main man for the Michigan Tech Huskies of the WCHA. In 2007 Teslak took the Huskies to their first WCHA Final Five birth since 1996, shutting down top ranked Colorado College 1-0 in game three. Teslak tore through the 2007 post season with a 5-3 record.

The Jackals look to close out the Trenton Devils campaign this Saturday night at 7:35 p.m. at First Arena. *If the Devils win, game six will be in Trenton on Sunday afternoon at 6:05 p.m.

BE THERE: Get your tickets now for the Jackals home ice contest on Saturday, April 18th at 7:35 p.m. Tickets are available at the First Arena Box Office, by calling (607)734-PUCK or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

TNA: Weiss Construction and Snap Fitness of Horseheads present: TNA Wrestling at First Arena tonight, Friday, April 17th at 7:30 p.m. Don't miss the no holds barred, non stop excitement! Tickets are on sale now at the First Arena Box office, Ticketmaster.com or by calling 734-PUCK.

SHRINERS CIRCUS: All of the excitement of the Shriners Circus comes to First Arena on Tuesday May 5th at 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $20, $15 $13 for both shows!

TICKETS: Get your tickets now for all Jackals hockey action and other upcoming events at First Arena by calling 734-PUCK, login onto www.ticketmaster.com or by visiting the First Arena Box office.

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ECHL Stories from April 17, 2009


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