News release
16 April 2015
ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals announced today, in conjunction with the National Hockey League's Buffalo Sabres, that they have entered into an agreement to become the ECHL affiliate of the Sabres effective immediately.
One of 30 member clubs in the National Hockey League (NHL), the Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey organization located in Buffalo, N.Y. Founded in 1970, the team plays host to nearly one million fans every year at its home arena, First Niagara Center, in downtown Buffalo and is one of the most visible and most successful sports entities in Western New York and Southern Ontario. Owned by Terry and Kim Pegula, the Sabres are also the parent company of its American Hockey League affiliate the Rochester Americans, and also the Buffalo Bandits of the National Lacrosse League.
Since the Jackals joined the ECHL in 2007, 10 of their alumni have suited up in the NHL including, most recently, Mike Hoffman who debuted with the Ottawa Senators in 2013.