ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have agreed to terms with defenseman Jordon Southorn for the 2012-13 season. Southorn, along with Kyle Bushee, is the second newcomer to the Jackals defensive corps this season.
 
"Jordon impressed me last season with his combination of size, athleticism and skill. He's a good young defenseman with a lot of pro potential," said Jackals head coach Pat Bingham.

Selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the fourth round (#104 overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft, Southorn is entering his third season of professional hockey. He has suited up in 85 ECHL games over the past two years and posted 30 points (8G, 22A) in that time.

Last season Southorn saw time with the Trenton Titans and Wheeling Nailers. In only 28 games with Trenton, the Montreal, Quebec native posted 16 points (6G, 10A), which was the third-highest total among Titans defensemen for the entire season. A mid-campaign trade moved Southorn to Wheeling and he totaled five points (2G, 3A) and a +5 rating over 22 games. He also suited up for three Kelly Cup playoff games for Wheeling. Southorn's play earned him a two-game call up to the American Hockey League's Providence Bruins.

As a rookie in 2010-11 the 6-3, 200-pound rearguard notched nine assists in 35 games for the Trenton Devils. Prior to turning pro Southorn spent four seasons with Prince Edward Island of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He concluded his time as a Rocket with 105 points (27G, 78A) and 279 penalty minutes over 258 games.

"The Jackals are always in the mix as one of the top contenders. With all the games I've played against Elmira over the last two seasons, I know they play a fast, physical, and skilled style -- especially under Coach Bingham. The way I play the game will fit in well with that style and I'm looking forward to the season.

"With the core group of guys we have coming back, my expectations are to compete for the Kelly Cup. After all the offseason work this summer I'm excited to get going," Southorn said.

Click here for Jordon Southorn'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 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 5, 2012, 7:00 p.m. - Free Community Movie Night. "We Bought a Zoo." Bring a can or bag of cat/dog food to donate to Chemung County SPCA and receive a free bag of popcorn.
 

September 15, 2012, 7:30 p.m. -  Art of Combat 1. Be a part of the first ever mixed martial arts fighting event at First Arena. Tickets start at just $22. Click here for tickets.
 

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 12, 2012, 7:05 p.m. - Jackals Home Opener vs. Reading Royals.