News release
29 July 2016
The Elmira Jackals, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced today the team has signed forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian to Standard Player Contracts for the 2016-17 season.
Hatch, 26, joins the Jackals after playing the previous two seasons for the Reading Royals. The Massena, New York native recorded 27 points (15 goals, 12 assists) and a +3 plus/minus in 84 games for the Royals. In his rookie campaign, Hatch led all Royals' rookies with a +8 plus/minus and was tied for first among team rookies with nine goals. Hatch also appeared in two games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms (AHL).
"I would like to thank the entire Jackals organization for giving me this opportunity," said Hatch. "I am excited to be back in my home state and look forward to working with a first class staff and teammates dedicated to winning."
Prior to turning pro, the 5-foot-11 190-pound forward accrued 73 points (34 goals, 39 assists) and a +64 plus/minus in 148 NCAA games at Union College. Over his four year career with the Dutchmen, Hatch won a NCAA Championship, two ECAC Championships and one ECAC Regular Season Championship. Hatch was also a teammate of current Jackals forward Mark Bennett for three years at Union College.
Christian, 24, comes to Elmira following a four-year career at Clarkson University.
"I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to become part of the Elmira Jackals organization," said Christian. "I am looking forward to getting to know the team, the fans and the city. I am excited to get things started."
During his tenure at Clarkson University, Christian recorded 15 points (nine goals, six assists) in 77 NCAA games. The Norwalk, Connecticut native was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team in each of his first three years.
Before attending Clarkson University, Christian played three seasons for the Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL) posting 110 points (51 goals, 59 assists) in 162 games. He was named the team's Most Valuable Forward in 2011-12 leading the team in scoring with 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in 57 games.