Weekend Preview

Published on March 3, 2009 under ECHL (ECHL)
Elmira Jackals News Release


Elmira, NY- With 15 games remaining in the Elmira Jackals 2009 ECHL campaign, the North Division couldn't be much closer. With only 10 points separating sixth place to first place, and a three way tie for the second seed, the next five nights for the Jackals could mean a first place position to start next week.

The Jackals open their four games in five nights schedule at 7:05 p.m. on Wednesday night when they host the Dayton Bombers. On Friday night the Jackals and Bombers match up for the middle contest of the triple header. Come dressed in your country gear and receive a free cowbell, courtesy of WETM TV. Saturday the Bombers are back in town for the 7th match ups of the year. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free hockey puck from Weiss Construction. Both nights the puck drops at 7:35 p.m. The Jackals finish off their packed weekend with a trip to Johnstown to take on the Chiefs at 2:35 p.m. Sunday afternoon.

(30-22-1-4) Elmira Jackals vs. (27-27-2-3) Dayton Bombers

Season Series: The Jackals have compiled a solid 3-1-0 record against the Bombers this season. Out of the next six contest, the Jackals will meet the Bombers five times. Three at First Arena, two at the Nutter Center in Dayton.

Last Meeting: The last time these two clubs met up was last Wednesday, February 25th in Dayton. The back and fourth tilt featured four lead changes. The Jackals took control when they exploded for three third period goals advancing to a 6-5 victory.

Two Point Twist: The Cincinnati Cyclones currently lead the North Division with 58 games played and 69 points. Wheeling and Elmira have each played 57 games with 65 accumulated points. Johnstown joins the second place tie, but has played on less game at 56. Trenton lurks in the background with 63 points in 56 games played. Dayton has played the most games in the Division at 59, they trail the leader by 10 points.

Top Dogs: The Jackals are lead by Pierre-Luc Faubert's 18 goals and 26 assists (44 points). Elmira's leading goal scorer Steve Yetman is up to second in points with 43 (21G 22 A). Last years leader Benoit Doucet sits in third in the scoring chase with 42 points (14 G 28A) in 57 games while Paul McIlveen has racked up 15 goals and 25 assists (50 points) on the year.

Top Guns: The Bombers scoring department is lead by Nino Musitelli's 16 goals and 24 assists (40 points). Christian Gaudet places second with nine goals and 24 assists (33 points).

Last Line of Defense: The Jackals looked to Michael Teslak last week to tend the pipes. Teslak went 2-1-0 improving his goals against to 2.99 and his save percentage to 0.899%. Mitch O'Keefe was returned from the Binghamton Senators on Monday. O'Keefe has gone 16-11-0-2 on the year with a 3.09 goals against average and a 0.891 save percentage.

The Bombers look to former Jackal David Shantz to keep their crease. With 11 games in Elmira and 17 in Dayton, Shantz is 13-12-1-1 with a 0.891 save percentage and a 2.99 goals against. Dayton's other masked man, Paul Drew, holds a 3.17 goals against average.

Last 15 Games: The Jackals have turned up the Jets since the All-Star break turning in a 10-4-0-1 record. In this span the Jackals put together their best run of the season going 7-1-0 from January 25th to February 8th.

Called Up: The Jackals will be missing defenseman Brandon Roach who received his first American Hockey League call up to the Quad City Flames on Monday the 2nd. Paul McIlveen and Wes Cunningham were awarded their first AHL call ups today when they were loaned to the Norfolk Admirals. Both players are scheduled to be in action for the Jackals on Wednesday night.

Attendance: With 10 of the last 15 games of the season taken place on home ice, the Elmira Jackals look to advance their average attendance up from 3,300 per game. The Jackals currently rank 15th in the ECHL in attendance. 15th is deceiving. The Jackals play in the smallest venue in the ECHL but lead the league in capacity average at 90.7%.

Powerplay: The Jackals power play continues to improve. In three games last week, the Jackals converted on four of 15 attempts (26.7%). The Jackals moved up to 14.5% effective on the man advantage.

Cant Make it To the Game: Join Nick Hulberg the Voice of the Jackals for all of the play by play action of every game on WOKN 99.5 Elmira, 102.5 Corning, WVIN 98.3 Bath and at www.jackalshockey.com. The Hill Top Inn Countdown to Face Off kicks off 20 minutes before every game.

TNA: TNA Wrestling comes to First Arena on 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.

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.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



ECHL Stories from March 3, 2009


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