News release
14 August 2014
6-foot-3 Quinnipiac Product Adds Size to Elmira's Blueline
ELMIRA, N.Y. - August 14, 2014 - The Elmira Jackals, proud ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today that rookie defenseman Zach Tolkinen has signed a Standard Player Contract for the 2014-2015 season.
Tolkinen set a career high with 22 points as a senior at Quinnipiac University.
Tolkinen, 24, enters his first professional season with the Elmira Jackals. The 6-foot-3 190-pound defenseman set a career high with 22 points last season at Quinnipiac University. The Lino Lakes, MN native led all Bobcats' blueliners in scoring as a senior. Tolkinen recorded 47 points (nine goals, 38 assists) and 151 penalty minutes in 135 NCAA games. Following his senior campaign, Tolkinen signed an amateur tryout agreement with the Abbotsford Heat.
"Zach is a strong defenseman with an active stick and a long reach," said Jackals head coach Jamie Russell. "He is very reliable in the defensive zone and can contribute offensively as well. Zach can be counted on to make the first outlet pass and start the rush."
Prior to attending Quinnipiac, Tolkinen played for the Owatonna Express and the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League. He notched 42 points (12 goals, 30 assists) and 171 penalty minutes in 93 NAHL games.