ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have signed forward Chaz Johnson and defenseman Matt Campanale for the 2012-13 season.

"Matt is a smart and poised two-way defenseman who will play a lot of key minutes for us, and Chaz is a physical winger who can score. It's exciting to have them both in the fold for this season," said Jackals head coach Pat Bingham.

After two seasons away, Johnson, 28, will be back playing in the Twin Tiers. The 6-2, 225-pound winger is entering his eighth season of professional hockey and fourth with the Jackals. He registered 20 goals, 15 assists and 132 penalty minutes in 64 games with the Chicago Express in 2011-12. Johnson led the Express in goals, finished fifth overall in points and was second in penalty minutes.

Johnson is a veteran of 242 ECHL games (117 with Elmira) and has 153 points (80G, 73A) and 653 penalty minutes to his credit in that time. He has also dressed in 20 Kelly Cup playoff games, all for the Jackals, with 17 points (7G, 10A) under his belt. Johnson, a native of Montreal, Quebec, has also dressed in 77 American Hockey League games and 111 games in the former United Hockey League. He was a part of the 2007 UHL champion Rockford IceHogs.

Johnson falls under the ECHL's veteran classification with 430 professional games played. A veteran player in the ECHL is one that has played at least 260 regular season games of professional hockey. Teams are allowed to sign four veterans to their roster, not including goalies.

"I'm coming back to Elmira because after two years of being away and experiencing different adventures it was time to come back and be with my family," said Johnson.

"Elmira is a great hockey town with great fans, and my expectation this season is to win the Kelly Cup. I've heard nothing but great things about Coach Bingham and am looking forward to working with him this season," he added.

Campanale (camp-ah-NEHL-ee) is set to embark on his second season of pro hockey. The 24 year old was a rookie with Elmira in 2011-12 when he earned 22 points (6G, 16A) and a +14 rating in 58 games. For his efforts he was named the Jackals' Co-Defenseman of the Year. The 5-11, 200-pound blueliner began the season with the Bakersfield Condors but was acquired by the Jackals on November 12, 2011 after just eight games out west. Campanale went on to add one goal in 10 Kelly Cup playoff games.

Prior to turning pro the Chester Springs, PA native played four seasons at the University of New Hampshire. He had three goals and 21 assists in 106 games for the Wildcats and was an alternate captain as a senior in 2010-11. Following his senior season he signed an amateur tryout with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers and was called up for a game to the New York Islanders. He made his National Hockey League debut April 6, 2011 and had two penalty minutes in a game at Boston.

"After I heard Pat was going to be with the team again I was excited to sign. I think last season we dealt with a lot of injuries and guys moving up, but Pat was able to keep us on pace all season long," said Campanale.

The defender also stated; "I loved the fan support we had last season and hope its more of the same this coming year. Hopefully this season we're able to have the same success as last and move on a little further.”

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.