News release
22 March 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013ELMIRA, N.Y. - With over six years passed since their last meeting in Elmira as members of the United Hockey League, the Jackals and Fort Wayne Komets are set to renew acquaintances at First Arena tonight. It's the first of three games in as many days for the Jackals.
WHO: Elmira Jackals - Ottawa/NHL & Binghamton/AHL (36-23-7) vs. Fort Wayne Komets - Anaheim/NHL and Norfolk/AHL (32-32-3).
WHAT: Elmira Jackals Home Game #33. Trading Card Set #1 Giveaway and Affordable Friday with $2 hot dogs, sodas, and popcorn.
The Jackals are facing the Komets tonight for the second of three meetings and first of two at First Arena. The Jackals are 0-1-0 against Fort Wayne this season after falling in a wild 6-5 affair on December 29 in Fort Wayne. Elmira held leads at 1-0 and 2-1, but ultimately battled back from a 5-3 third period deficit to tie the game with 4:21 to play. However, the Komets' J.M. Rizk scored the winner with 42 seconds remaining. Tonight's game is Fort Wayne's first in Elmira since January 3, 2007 when both teams were members of the United Hockey League. The teams met 26 times from 2000-2007 before Elmira made the Jump to the ECHL and the Komets held the advantage at 18-4-4.
Elmira has qualified for the Kelly Cup Playoffs in each of its first five seasons in the ECHL. Its quest for a sixth straight berth is coming to a head. With at least one standings point in 12 of their last 15 games (9-3-3) the Jackals have reduced their magic number to clinch a playoff spot to 4. The magic number is reduced any time the Jackals earn a point in a game or the ninth place team fails to earn a point in a game. If Kalamazoo loses in regulation and the Jackals win tonight they will clinch their spot in the post-season.