News release
29 March 2011
The Elmira Jackals enter the final week of the regular season within reach of a playoff spot and could guarantee themselves a spot in the postseason as soon as Wednesday night.
The Jackals are currently tied for seventh place in the Eastern Conference standings at 74 points with the Cincinnati Cyclones. Elmira is in Trenton on Wednesday, Toledo on Friday, and Kalamazoo to close out the 2010-2011 regular season on Saturday.
The following are the Jackals' scenarios for clinching a playoff spot Wednesday night when they take on the Devils at the Sun National Bank Center at 7:00 p.m.
A shootout win for the Jackals tomorrow night would not guarantee them a playoff spot if Cincinnati takes at least one point tomorrow morning against Kalamazoo.
If the Jackals lose to the Devils on Wednesday night, they could still clinch a playoff spot by defeating Toledo on Friday or beating Kalamazoo in regulation or overtime on Saturday. One regulation loss by Toledo in the club's final three games or two Cincinnati regulation losses in its final two games would also give Elmira a spot in the postseason.
The Jackals closed out their home slate with three points in three games against Trenton and Kalamazoo on Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
On Wednesday, Martin Moucha and Vinny Geonnetti scored their first ECHL goals as Elmira defeated Trenton, 4-2. A.J. Perry collected his second-game winning goal of the season, snapping a 2-2 tie in the third period with his 19th goal of the season.
Perry notched his 20th goal of the year on Saturday in a 6-1 loss to Kalamazoo in front of the Jackals' 12th sellout crowd of the season.
The Jackals overcame a two-goal, third-period deficit against the K-Wings in the home finale on Sunday to force overtime. Ryan Hillier recorded his fourth goal of the season while Moucha tied the game on a breakaway halfway through the final frame to put the game into the extra session. Kalamazoo's Trent Daavettila scored the OT winner just 29 seconds into sudden death as the K-Wings took the 3-2 victory.
The Jackals announced their annual team awards prior to their final home game of the season on Sunday.
Justin Donati was named the team's Most Valuable Player, becoming the first two-time winner of the award. Last season, Donati split the honor with twin-brother Tyler Donati. Justin Donati was also given the Leading Scorer Award. He currently leads the ECHL with 94 points.
Most Popular Player: Yannick Tifu, Most Improved Player, Marco Cousineau, Rookie of the Year: Marco Cousineau, Eric Lampe, Defensive Player of the Year: R.J. Anderson, Patrick Coulombe, Unsung Hero: A.J. Perry, Community Service Award: Chris Frank.
Season-ticket holders must purchase a six pack by Friday, April 1 at 5:00 p.m. to guarantee their season seats for the playoffs.
Home playoff dates will be announced upon determination of first-round matchups.
The Jackals announced on Tuesday that they have released forward Billy Siers and that they have placed forward Justin Donati on the 3-day injured reserve and defenseman Scott Wietecha on the 21-day injured reserve.
Ardco Pro/Clearchoice for their support of the Elmira Jackals and First Arena. Ardco Pro/Clearchoice is a local business that has been in the area for over 40 years and is located at 250 E. 14th St. in Elmira Heights. They can help with all of your heating, air conditioning, and major appliance needs. They are your local Whirpool Comfort dealer and all Whirpool Equipment comes with a ten year parts and ten year labor warranty included. Ardco Pro/Clearchoice has prompt and professional service with a three-year guarantee on part replacement and they can help you get do-it-yourself parts too. Call Ardco Pro/Clearchoice today at (607) 732-7241.