News release
1 February 2012
Wednesday, February 01, 2012Elmira Jackals (26-14-1-1) vs. Wheeling Nailers (23-16-2-1)
The Elmira Jackals return home to host the Wheeling Nailers on "Willowcreek Wednesday" and "Dollar Hot Dog Night" at First Arena, with the opening faceoff at 7:05 p.m. The Jackals lead the Nailers by five points for the Atlantic Division's top spot, a position Elmira has had sole possession of since it beat Wheeling in overtime on Dec. 21, 3-2. During the first intermission, four fans will have a chance to win golf passes to Willowcreek Golf Club in Big Flats, N.Y. in an on-ice golf competition. Fans are also invited to take advantage of dollar hot dog sales at tonight's game.
The Jackals begin their busiest month of the season tonight, cramming 16 games into the 29-day February. The 16 games are the most the Jackals will play in any month in 2011-2012. Beginning Feb. 10, the Jackals will go through a stretch in which they play 12 games in 17 days.
The Jackals went 6-3-1-1 in January, one year after going 5-8-0-0 in the year's first calendar month. Dustin Gazley led the Jackals with 17 points and 11 assists and tied for the club lead with Louie Caporusso with six goals. Gazley's 17 points in January were the third-most in the ECHL and led all rookies. For the second-consecutive month, Matt Campanale led the Jackals in plus-minus, posting a +5 rating in January. He leads the team at +14 since joining the Jackals in a mid-November trade with Bakersfield.