News release
4 February 2012
The Elmira Jackals (26-16-1-2) fought through nine short-handed situations on Saturday night at First Arena, outshooting the Chicago Express (22-17-5-2), 35-28, but falling short in the game's outcome, 2-1.
The game marked the return of former head coach Steve Martinson and seven former Jackals to First Arena, including Scott Wietecha, who began his professional career with Elmira at the end of last season. Wietecha buried both Chicago goals, firing a puck in from the right point at 1:25 of the second period and then connecting on the power play from the top of the left circle at 14:59, as Chicago jumped out to a 2-0 lead.
The Express had nine power play chances to the Jackals' one early in the third period. Elmira received the game's final four man-advantage opportunities. Dustin Gazley converted on a penalty shot on a power play at 11:55, making it a 2-1 game. The Jackals could not get any more pucks past Express netminder Peter Mannino (6-3-1-1), who made 34 saves as Chicago came away with the victory.
Brian Stewart (15-8-0-0) turned aside 26 of 28 shots in goal for Elmira.
Elmira is tied with Wheeling for first place in the Atlantic Division, the first time the Jackals have not had sole possession of the division's top spot since play began on Dec. 21. Along with Wietecha, Tyler Donati, Chaz Johnson, Pierre-Luc Faubert, Brett Motherwell, Nathan Lutz, and Maxime Gratchev all made their return to First Arena after skating with the Jackals at some point during their careers. Elmira is 1-3-1-2 in its last seven one-goal games. The Jackals' opponents have had 50 more power-play attempts than Elmira has had this season