News release
13 October 2006
A Full House of 4,126 Saw The Jackals Season Opener
Elmira, NY The Elmira Jackals entered the 2006-07 season with a huge Hollywood fanfare, but at the end of the night penalties reigned supreme as the Jackals fell 4-0 to the Kalamazoo Wings Friday night at the First Arena.
The Jackals set a new franchise Single Game Attendance record of 4,126 in their Home Opener and the Arena was alive with energy and enthusiasm. The team beat the previous record of 4,102 set on January 19, 2002 against Adirondack. But Kalamazoo would take the early lead when B.J. Radovich opened his scoring account at 10:41 of the first period, with a power play goal assisted by Adam Elzinga and Jeff Brown. The K-Wings spent most of the period, and subsequently, most of the game on the power play, which limited the Jackals offensive chances. Elmira goaltender Shawn Degagne looked in mid-season form as he turned aside 14-of-15 first period shots denying most of Kalamazoos attempts.
In the second period, former Jackal David Herring tallied his first of the season at 11:43, assisted by Scott Dobben and Kory Karlander, giving the defending champs a 2-0 lead. Degagne again stood on his head, blocking another 12-of-13 shots in the second period.
In the final frame Radovich scored his second of the game, another power play goal at 4:10, assisted by Mike Renzi and Casey Handrahan. As the penalties piled up and the Jackals frustrations mounted, Kalamazoo ended up finishing the last 5 minutes of the game on a 2-man advantage. Scott Dobben capped the scoring at 18:30 with the K-Wings 3rd power play goal of the game. Goaltender Kris Tebbs relieved starter Degagne after only 1:40 of the third, when Degagne left the ice after apparently suffering an injury on his first save of the period.
Kalamazoo goaltender Tom Askey earned the win and his first shutout of the season as he stopped all 23 shots he faced in the game. Shawn Degagne took the loss for Elmira after making 26 saves on 28 shots in 41:40. Kris Tebbs played the last 18:20 in relief, making 13 saves on 15 shots. Kalamazoo was 3-for-19 on the power play, while Elmira was 0-for-8.
The Jackals will seek revenge against Kalamazoo as they will play game two of the season series against the K-Wings on Sunday, October 15th at 4:05 pm at the First Arena.
The Doodlebops will be at First Arena on Saturday, October 14th at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm during the Jackals off day.