The Elmira Jackals (7-8-0-0) enter the seventh week of the 2011-2012 season coming off of a dramatic 3-2 shootout victory over the Kalamazoo Wings on Saturday night at First Arena. Elmira hosts the Trenton Titans on Friday and the Reading Royals on Saturday to end a four-game homestand, with both games starting at 7:35 p.m.

After falling to the K-Wings on Friday night by a score of 5-3, the Jackals turned the tables on Kalamazoo on Saturday. After Kalamazoo's Kory Karlander backhanded a puck in at 9:35 of the third period to tie the game, both Elmira and Kalamazoo traded chances to win the game. Elmira's Dustin Gazley hit the right post on a breakaway with approximately 20 seconds remaining in regulation, while Kalamazoo's Brandon Svendsen was denied by the left pad of Jackals netminder Brian Stewart on a penalty shot in overtime.

In the shootout, Mike Radja lifted a puck over the glove of K-Wings goalie Riley Gill, while Stewart was perfect, turning away all five K-Wings' bids as Elmira pulled off the victory.

Earlier in the week, Elmira fell in Wheeling, 5-3, in an 11 a.m. "Education Day" game.

To purchase tickets to the Jackals' games this weekend, call (607) 734-PUCK (7825), visit the First Arena Box Office, or log onto JackalsHockey.com.

DIVISION BATTLES HIGHLIGHT NEXT SIX GAMES

The Jackals will become quite familiar with Atlantic Division foes Reading and Trenton over the next six games, playing each team three times.

Elmira enters this week in third place in the division with 14 points, two points behind the Royals for second place but with a game in hand on Reading.

The Wheeling Nailers lead the Atlantic Divison with 18 points. The Titans are in fourth place with 11 points.

POST-REGULATION 180

The Jackals have found success in their two games that have gone past regulation this season, coming away with victories each time, one season after Elmira won just one game that went to overtime or a shootout.

Earlier this month, Elmira snapped a 94-game sudden-death overtime winless drought, defeating the Gwinnett Gladiators 3-2 on an Evan Barlow goal at First Arena. The Jackals matched their shootout-victory production from last season with the win on Saturday.

Elmira is one of five ECHL teams to have won all of its post-regulation decisions this season.
In 2010-2011, Elmira went 0-7 in games decided in sudden-death overtime and and was 1-3 in shootouts.

DOWNING CONTINUES TO PRODUCE

Although having played in just four games with Elmira this season, rookie Jack Downing has made a name for himself with the club, recording a point in each game with the Jackals in 2011-2012.

The New Canaan, Conn. native started the season with the Jackals on opening weekend, contributing one assist in each of Elmira's two victories over Trenton. After spending nearly a month with Elmira's AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Senators, Downing returned to the Jackals, scoring his first pro goal this past Friday and snapping a puck in on Saturday to extend his point streak to four games (2g-2a).

Downing played collegiately at the University of Vermont (NCAA, D-I) from 2007-2011.

JACKALS PLAYERS IN THE COMMUNITY

Jackals players will ring bells to support the Salvation Army today from 4 - 6 p.m. at K-Mart Plaza in Horseheads. This event has become an annual tradition for Jackals players, who regularly work in the community to try and generate support for charities such as the Salvation Army.

While the Jackals are on an extended road trip in December, Blade will continue the Jackals' bell-ringing efforts each Wednesday from Dec. 7 to 21.

This Friday, the Jackals' Zamboni will ride in the Downtown Elmira Holiday Parade, with Blade and Jackals' staff members partaking in the festivities as well.

JACKALS HOCKEY: GET JACKED!

UPCOMING FIRST ARENA EVENTS

Jackals vs. Titans
Friday, November 25
7:35 p.m.

Jackals vs. Royals
Saturday, November 26
7:35 p.m.

Celtic Thunder Christmas
Sunday, December 4
7:00 p.m.

Harlem Globetrotters
Monday, Feb. 6
7:00 p.m.