News release
6 October 2007
ELMIRA, NY - The Elmira Jackals hit the ice Friday for their first official practice as a member club of the ECHL in anticipation of their 2007-08 regular season opener at First Arena October 19th.
30 players were present for the 9:45 skate, including 18 forwards, 10 defensemen, and two goaltenders as the competition began for coveted roster spots. All will be decided over the next 13 days that will include four preseason contests.
Joining the Jackals just one day after the club's announced affiliation with the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets and the American Hockey League's Syracuse Crunch were defensemen Jon Landry and Trevor Hendrikx. Both were in Syracuse's training camp, but were reassigned prior to the Crunch's Friday season opener at Rochester (6-4 Rochester).
Goaltender Joel Martin remains with Binghamton (AHL) as the Senators start for real this evening when they host the Albany River Rats at 7:05 p.m.
With the Senators receiving two players from its parent club in Ottawa yesterday, the club released forwards Bobby Robins and Martin Sagat. Both skaters could land in Elmira, creating even more of a log jam in a scrabble to make the Jackals in a camp that is shaping up to be the most competitive in the team's history.
Fans are reminded that all training camp on-ice sessions are open to the public this weekend and throughout the pre-season. Sessions begin each day at 9:45 a.m.
A first competitive look at the team will take place at First Arena on Thursday, October 11th, when the Jackals host the Reading Royals in a 7:05 p.m. draw. The Trenton Devils then arrive in town for a weekend pair Friday and Saturday with puck drop slated for 7:35 p.m. both nights.
Tickets for these, and all regular season Jackals home games are on sale now by calling 607-734-PUCK during regular business hours (Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.) or by logging on to www.tickemaster.com.