News release
7 December 2006
Elmira, NY The Elmira Jackals announced today that goaltender Dave Lemanowicz has signed with the Jackals and will be in the active lineup for this weekends series with the Fort Wayne Komets at First Arena.
Goaltender Dave Lemanowicz was signed by the Jackals as a free agent Thursday afternoon to aid goalie Kris Tebbs, who has been the Jackals starter for the last 12 consecutive games. At 62, 195 lbs, Lemanowicz began the 2006-07 season playing in Europe; he played 15 games for Wojas Podhale Nowy Targ in Poland, posting a record of (7-6-2) before returning to the USA to sign with the Jackals.
During the 2005-06 campaign, the 30-year old from Vancouver, British Columbia helped lead the Laredo Bucks to the 2005-2006 CHL Championship with teammate Brent Cullaton. Lemanowicz posted an (18-5-3) record in 28 appearances for Laredo, with an impressive 2.11 GAA and a 0.928 save percentage. Last year was his best statistical season, along with his first professional championship.
Lemanowicz began his professional career when he was selected by the Florida Panthers in the 9th round (218th overall) in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft. After the draft he signed with Florida and began his pro career with the Panthers AHL affiliate the Carolina Monarchs in 1996-97. After three seasons of playing in the AHL, along with games in the ECHL and WPHL, Lemanowicz left pro hockey and attended the University of Toronto. He played several years for his school in the CIS league before returning to the pro ranks in 2004-05 with the CHLs Memphis Riverkings.
Lemanowicz had a stellar career in Canadian Junior hockey, winning the BCJHL Centennial Cup (now called the Royal Bank Cup) in 1992-93 and he was awarded as the WHL Goaltender of the Year in 1995-96, both while playing for the Spokane Chiefs.