News release
1 July 2013
ELMIRA, N.Y.- July 1, 2013 - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have extended qualifying offers to six players from the 2012-13 team. The group is comprised of four forwards and a pair of defensemen.
The following are the players whom the Jackals qualified
Rob Bellamy, Forward - Finished fourth on Jackals with 48 points (20G, 28A) and was one of only two skaters to play all 72 games. Set career highs in goals, assists, points, and penalty minutes (84) in 2012-13, and served as an alternate captain.
Jean Bourbeau, Forward - Had the most productive pro season of his career with 38 points (20G, 18A) while serving as the Jackals' captain in 2012-13. Scored third most goals and seventh most points on the team. Qualifies for veteran status with 285 professional games played.
Kyle Bushee, Defense - Recorded second-most points among Jackals defensemen with 32 (9G, 23A), and ranked 19th among league defensemen in scoring. Set career highs in points and +/- (+15) last year with Elmira. Qualifies as a veteran with 353 professional games played.
Artem Demkov, Forward - Scored second most goals on the team (23) despite playing only 39 games for Elmira in his second pro season.
Jordan Pietrus, Forward - Established career highs in every major statistical category (72GP, 21G, 38A, 59Pts, +17, 89PIM) with Elmira in 2012-13. Finished second on club in points, assists, and +/-. Along with Bellamy was one of two players to skate in all 72 games for the Jackals. Served as an alternate captain.
Jordon Southorn, Defense - Top scoring Jackals defenseman in 2012-13 with career-best 34 points (11G, 23A). Goals were third most among league defensemen and points were ninth. Established third-best single season +/- rating in Jackals ECHL history at +27.
Of the eight qualified players, no more than four could be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the upcoming 2013-14 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded.
A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran until Aug. 1. After Aug. Restricted free agents may not be traded.