As the Alaska Aces and the Kalamazoo Wings get ready to battle in the 2011 Kelly Cup Finals, the Elmira Jackals have begun preparations for their 2011-2012 season, the club's fifth in the ECHL and 12th overall.

The Jackals are in the process of searching for the ninth head coach in team history. Robbie Nichols, who took over the role of head coach on Feb. 23 and led the Jackals to a fourth-straight playoff appearance, will continue serving as the general manager of the club, overseeing the organization's day-to-day operations.

Elmira intends to hold a press conference in early June to introduce a new head coach.

"We are looking for a coach that will put together a Jackals team that will bring pride to our fans and our city," Nichols said. "The coach also has to be someone who can handle and calmly manage the frequent changes to the roster during the season."

Nichols was referring to both the amount of players on Elmira's roster and the number of call-ups the Jackals experienced in the 2010-2011 season. Elmira had 66 different players - 56 skaters and 10 goaltenders - participate in a game this past season and had players venture to the AHL via loans or call-ups on 77 different occasions during the regular season and playoffs.

"Our fans showed why they are the best in the ECHL last season by supporting us through tough times and leading the league with 12 sellouts," Nichols said. "First Arena will be a tough place to play for opposing teams next season."

The Jackals will also update their fans on the situation regarding NHL and AHL affiliations for the 2011-2012 season and will hold a question and answer session for fans with Nichols and the team's new head coach.

UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS

HOT TUB AND SPA LIQUIDATION SALE

Friday, May 13

12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday, May 14

9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sunday, May 15

10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

TWIN TIERS TEEN NIGHT CRAZE PRESENTED BY COLE & BURD AUTOMOTIVE AND KNAPPY'S AUTO BODY

Friday, May 20

7 p.m.

CORNING COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATION

Friday, May 27

ELMIRA COLLEGE GRADUATION

Sunday, June 5

ELMIRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT GRADUATION

Thursday, June 23

Friday, June 24

Saturday, June 25

HORSEHEADS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION

Saturday, June 25

VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA PRESENT BEATLES REVOLUTION

Saturday, July 16

8 p.m.