News release
17 March 2014
ELMIRA, N.Y. - March 17, 2014 - Tonight, for the first time in over two years, the Elmira Jackals play host to the Gwinnett Gladiators. The Jackals have a 4-2-1 all-time ECHL record at First Arena against the Gladiators.
WHO: Elmira Jackals - Ottawa and New Jersey/NHL & Binghamton and Albany/AHL (22-30-8) vs Gwinnett Gladiators - Phoenix/NHL & Portland/AHL (24-32-6)
The Jackals are facing the Gladiators tonight for the first of three meetings this season and the only meeting at First Arena. Elmira has an 8-5-1 all-time ECHL record against Gwinnett, including a 4-2-1 record at First Arena. However, these two foes have not met since November 3, 2012. The lone matchup last year was played at The Arena at Gwinnett Center and resulted in a Jackals' 3-1 loss. Former Jackals Jack Downing and Brandon Blandina teamed up to score the only Elmira goal and Maxime Clermont stopped 25 of 28 shots in the loss. The last time Gwinnett visited First Arena was November 9, 2011. Artem Demkov started the scoring in the first period and Evan Barlow ended it at 1:38 of overtime. Brian Stewart backstopped the Jackals with 32 saves in the 3-2 victory. Seven of the 14 meetings have been decided by one goal and three others were decided by two goals.
Elmira has developed a reputation for jumping out to quick starts in recent games. The Jackals scored first, and within the first 10 minutes of play, in six of their last nine games. Over the last five weeks the Jackals have scored the game's first goal in 10 of their 15 games (4-4-2 record).