News release
18 July 2014
Conboy, Nesbitt and Stefishen Bring Grit and Scoring Touch To Elmira
ELMIRA, N.Y. - July 18, 2014 - The Elmira Jackals announced today that forwards Andrew Conboy, Thomas Nesbitt and Taylor Stefishen have signed Standard Player Contracts for the 2014-2015 season.
Conboy, 26, enters his sixth full professional season and first as a member of the Jackals. The 6-3 190lb forward split last season between the Cardiff Devils of the Elite Ice Hockey League, the St. Charles Chill of the Central Hockey League and the Idaho Steelheads of the East Coast Hockey League. Conboy spent the full 2012-13 campaign in the ECHL with the Trenton Titans and the Cincinnati Cyclones. The Burnsville, MN native played the previous three-plus seasons with the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League. In 255 career professional games, Conboy has recorded 33 goals, 34 assists and 631 penalty minutes.
"I couldn't be happier with the opportunity to wear the Jackals sweater this season," said Conboy. "I am excited to be playing for Jamie Russell and to meet the boys."
Prior to turning pro, Conboy logged 88 points (42 goals, 46 assists) and 293 penalty minutes in 114 career games in the United States Hockey League with the Omaha Lancers. He also spent one season at Michigan State University. In 21 NCAA games he posted five points and 76 penalty minutes. Conboy was drafted by the Montreal Canadiens with the 142nd pick in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft.
"Thomas is a very skilled winger with scoring touch and a nose for the net," said Russell. "His natural ability to lead is the reason why he wore the 'C' on his chest in Ottawa."
Nesbitt, 24, joins the Jackals after spending the past three seasons at the University of New Brunswick in the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS). The 5-11 165lb forward notched 60 points (27 goals, 33 assists) in 83 CIS games. Before attending the University of New Brunswick, Nesbitt played five seasons for the Ottawa 67's of the Ontario Hockey League. The Stittsville, ON native logged 213 points (104 goals, 109 assists) in 331 career games for the 67's. Nesbitt was the team captain in his final season with Ottawa.
"I am excited to join the Elmira Jackals organization," said Nesbitt. "I have heard nothing but good things about the city of Elmira and I am excited to be apart of the new culture. I look forward to building towards a championship with this group."
Stefishen, 23, comes to Elmira after three seasons in the CIS with the University of Calgary. This past season Stefishen was an alternate captain and led the team with 25 assists. In 79 CIS games, Stefishen notched 24 goals and 53 assists.
"Taylor is a dynamic playmaker with a knack for finding the open man," said Russell. "His ability to create plays out of nothing will electrify the fans this season at First Arena."
Prior to attending the University of Calgary, Stefishen played one season in the Western Hockey League with the Prince George Cougars. He recorded 67 points (24 goals, 43 assists) in 68 games. Stefishen skated at Ohio State University the previous two seasons, logging 21 points in 42 games.
"I am very excited to be joining the Elmira Jackals organization and I look forward to working with Jamie Russell and the rest of the Jackals staff," said Stefishen. "The new direction of the Jackals organization looks very positive for both the players and city of Elmira."
Monday, July 21: Second Round of Blade Tryouts at First Arena! Check-ins begin at 6:30 p.m. and the tryouts begin at 7:00 p.m. Fans are welcome to come watch at no charge.
Tuesday, July 22: College Night and Splitrock Cornhole Tournament, 9:00 p.m.