News release
5 April 2013
Friday, April 05, 2013ESTERO, Fla. - The Elmira Jackals begin the chase for the Kelly Cup tonight with Game 1 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal series against the Florida Everblades. The series is a rematch of last year's conference semifinal that Florida won four games to one en route to its first Kelly Cup championship.
WHAT: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1.
This Eastern Conference quarterfinal series marks the third time the Jackals and Everblades have faced one another in the playoffs. Florida captured the 2010 quarterfinal series three games to two, and last year's semifinal series four games to one. The Jackals are 1-4 in their playoff history at Germain Arena, and were 0-2-0 here in the regular season in 2012-13. Most players on each team were not around for the two meetings on Nov. 7 and 9. Only nine players on Elmira's playoff roster took part in the regular season meetings while Florida has four players on its playoff roster from the 5-2 win on Nov. 9. This series features the top two regular season offenses in the Eastern Conference. Elmira racked up the third most goals in the league at 247 (3.43 per game), but Florida was just ahead with 260 goals (3.61 per game). The Everblades also boast top scorer Mathieu Roy (89 points).
When it comes to the Kelly Cup playoffs, the Jackals are a fairly well traveled bunch. Elmira's roster boasts nine players with ECHL playoff experience. Of that group, Kyle Bushee has the most experience with 22 playoff games in his career. He also made it the farthest when his Wheeling Nailers went to the Eastern Conference final in 2011. Chaz Johnson has put up the most points with 17 (7G, 10A) in 20 playoff games (all with the Jackals). Jordan Pietrus, Rob Bellamy, Jean Bourbeau, and Benjamin Dieude-Fauvel skated with Elmira in last year's playoffs.