ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have agreed to terms with forward Artem Demkov for the 2012-13 season. He brings the number of returnees from last season's Eastern Conference regular season championship team to six.
 
"Bringing back Artem was certainly one of our priorities this summer. He works exceptionally hard on and off the ice, and is a tremendously skilled player. He embodies everything we want in a Jackals player," said Jackals general manager Matt Hufnagel.

Demkov, 22, is set to embark on his second season of professional hockey. Along with his old linemate Dustin Gazley, Demkov gives the Jackals each of their top two scorers from a year ago. He racked up 57 points (20G, 37A) to finish second on the Jackals, and fifth among ECHL rookies, in scoring in 2011-12. Demkov went on to lead the team with four goals during the Jackals' Kelly Cup playoff run and tied for the team lead with eight points. He also won the post-season award for Jackals Hardest Working Player.

Prior to joining the North American pro ranks, Demkov spent two seasons in his home country of Belarus. Between Minsk Dynamo and Shakhter Soligorsk he produced 62 points (28G, 34A) over 93 games from 2009 to 2011. The 5-10, 175-pound forward had his first taste of North American hockey in 2008-09 with Cape Breton and Acadie-Bathurst of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. His stat line read 28 points (15G, 13A) and 26 penalty minutes over 59 games between the Screaming Eagles and Titan, and he led Acadie-Bathurst with four goals in five playoff games that spring.

Click here for Artem Demkov's player profile.

Season tickets to see the Jackals in 2012-2013 are on sale now!

Packages start as low as $360 and include tickets to all 36 regular season and any preseason home games. Exclusive advantages available only to season ticket holders include a discount off the walk-up ticket price, the same seat all season long, access to the annual Blue/White scrimmage, discounts to select First Arena events, and special season ticket holder coupons.

Avoid lines at the box office on game day by purchasing season tickets to see the Jackals in 2012-2013. Fans may download the 2012-2013 season ticket form at http://www.firstarena.com/ or can order their tickets by calling (607) 734-PUCK (7825) or by visiting the First Arena Box Office.  

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UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS:  

September 22, 2012, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Wegmans Twin Tiers Tap In presented by TLC Limo. An impressive roster of over 30 breweries from the local, regional, and national scene will be on hand for the inaugural beer festival. Tickets are $30 for 25 3oz samples. Click here for tickets.

October 4, 2012, 6:30 p.m. - Jackals Annual Blue-White Game. Click here for tickets. 

October 12, 2012, 7:05 p.m. - Jackals Home Opener vs. Reading Royals. Click here for tickets.