News release
23 July 2009
The First Arena and Elmira Jackals announced additions to their front office and roster at a press conference on Thursday afternoon, as well as updates on arena events.
JACKALS ADD NEW AND EXCITING SOUND TO BOOTH
This season, Elmira Jackals broadcasts will have an upbeat sound this season, as Marc Shelanski and Eric Levine have been added to announce the 2009-2010 Jackals campaign.
Marc Shelanski joins the Elmira Jackals as the Director of Broadcasting and Senior Sales Executive after spending time with Elmira's AHL affiliate, the Binghamton Senators. Shelanski has spent 19 of the last 20 years broadcasting hockey, and brings to the Jackals an expansive knowledge of the game. A native of St. Paul, Minnesota, Shelanski served as the Mississippi Sea Wolves (ECHL) announcer in 1998-1999 when the Biloxi-based team won the Kelly Cup. He has also made stops with the now-defunct Raleigh IceCaps (ECHL) and the Springfield Falcons (AHL), among multiple other organizations.
Joining Shelanski in the booth this season is Eric Levine, who will serve as the Broadcasting Assistant and Sales Executive for the 2009-2010 campaign. A Massachusetts native, Levine comes to Elmira as a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he broadcasted hockey for the campus's radio station for three seasons, and most recently announced the NCAA Women's Frozen Four in Boston for Clear Channel Madison.
All Jackals games can be heard live on 99.5 WOKN and 98.3 WVIN, and can be streamed via webcast at www.jackalshockey.com.
SIX-SESS! MVP DEFENSEMAN RETURNS, HIGHLIGHTS SIX SIGNINGS
Coming off an extended playoff run, the Elmira Jackals have made the 2009-2010 season look even more promising by signing six talented players.
The Jackals 2008-2009 Most Valuable Defenseman Travis Gawryletz returns to Elmira, while Jean-Francois David adds a threatening offensive presence at the blue line. Forwards Nino Musitelli, Chanse Fitzpatrick, Ryan McDonald, and Matt Dias join the Jackals as proven scorers.
Returning to Elmira for his second stint with the team, winger Chanse Fitzpatrick will once again play in a league in which he has seen plenty of success. Having played for the Jackals in 2006-2007 when the team was a member of the UHL, Fitzpatrick has played his best hockey at the ECHL level. Through 155 career ECHL games, Fitzpatrick has notched 114 points (56g-58a). The Prince Edward Island native spent the last season and a half abroad, playing in German and Swedish-based leagues. "Chance is a very gifted offensive player. He will add a scoring threat every time he is on the ice," Martinson said.
Having played in just six ECHL games in his career, winger Matt Dias has made a name for himself in the OHL, where he led Sudbury in scoring in the 2008-2009 season with 66 points (31-35). In 2007-2008, Dias played five games for the Wheeling Nailers (ECHL), and last season played one game for the Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL), notching a goal and an assist in his lone appearance with the Cyclones. Despite his limited time in the ECHL, the Ontario native has seen success in the league and could be an important part of the Jackals' 2009-2010 campaign. "Matt is another player who has a great scoring touch," Martinson said. "He is young and has great speed and will be an exciting player to watch."
Call 607-734-PUCK or visit www.jackalshockey.com for more information.
NETWORK OF TALENT: JACKALS MAINTAIN RELATIONSHIP WITH AFFILIATES
The First Arena and Elmira Jackals also announce the continuation of their agreements with the Ottawa Senators (NHL) to serve as Ottawa's secondary affiliate and the Binghamton Senators (AHL) to serve as Binghamton's primary affiliate. The Jackals experienced significant success in their second season as Ottawa and Binghamton's ECHL affiliate, advancing to the American Conference semifinals with a first round victory over the Trenton Devils before falling to the Cincinnati Cyclones.
Last season, 13 Jackals at one point played for Binghamton. The proximity of Binghamton to Elmira is convenient for both teams, as the 45 minute drive makes it easy for each team to have a full and talented squad for each game. Furthermore, the affiliation with Ottawa ensures to Jackals players that there is a legitimate chance they will be recalled to Binghamton or Ottawa at some point during the season. The Jackals look forward to continuing their working relationship with Ottawa and Binghamton in the future.
Also going on sale to the general public on August 3 at 10 AM are tickets for the world famous Lipizzaner Stallions. The stallions visit First Arena on September 29, 2009 at 7:30 PM. Don't miss your chance to watch horses perform amazing and world-renowned acrobatic feats, right here in Elmira!