Ulanski Loaned To Milwaukee; Grimaldi Sent To Fresno

January 15, 2008 - ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals, proud member of the ECHL, announced today that center Kevin Ulanski has been loaned to the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League and defenseman Joe Grimaldi has been traded to the Fresno Falcons. For Ulanski, it is his second stint in the AHL this season while Grimaldi's move to the National Conference completes the December 3rd trade for defenseman Bryan Rodney.

Ulanski, 25, spent 13 games with Milwaukee last season with two assists and four penalty minutes. Primarily with Rockford (UHL) in 2006-07, Ulanski posted 26 goals and 66 points in 61 regular season games for the Colonial Cup champion IceHogs.

In his only AHL appearance this year, Ulanski drew an assist while skating with Albany in the River Rats 4-3 loss at Bridgeport December 16th. Appearing in each of the Jackals' 37 games this season, Ulanski ranks fourth in team scoring with eight goals and 16 assists for 24 points. His +13 rating is second on the club (Pierre-Luc Faubert +19).

"While there are always reservations loaning one of your own players to another team's affiliate, this is a good fit and a deserving call-up for several different reasons," said Jackals head coach Steve Martinson.

Milwaukee's ECHL affiliate, the Cincinnati Cyclones, is currently tied with Elmira for first place in the North Division.

Grimaldi, a 21-year old rookie, appeared in 36 games with Elmira with two goals and 12 points overall and a +6 rating. In two call-ups to the American Hockey League this year, Grimaldi was pointless in a combined three contests with Rochester and Albany with a -1 rating and 12 penalty minutes.

"Our blue line became a numbers game over the last week to ten days and this was a tough call to make," said Martinson. "Working with two affiliates and knowing I had a couple of midseason free agents coming in was tough to juggle. Taking nothing away from Joe, he's young and his grit and determination will serve him well as he grows into the pro game."

The Jackals defensive corps became crowded last week with the signing of free agents Matt Gens and Jeff State along with the reassignment of Tomas Kudelka to Elmira by Ottawa (NHL) from its American Hockey League affiliate in Binghamton.

"Moving a player is one of the unpleasant parts of the job, but as we hit the second half of the season, our goal is to win games and ultimately a championship," said Martinson. "It's all part of the big picture and moving forward."

***

The Jackals are back in action with a pair of games against the Wheeling Nailers Friday and Saturday. Game time is 7:35 p.m. both nights and good seats remain for the final contests before the All-Star break. Tickets can be purchased at the Gray Street box office - First Arena (10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Saturday), charge-by-phone at 734-PUCK (7825) and 722-3711 or buy on-line at www.ticketmaster.com.



ECHL Stories from January 15, 2008


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.

OurSports Central