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Jackals Sign 3 More Players

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Elmira Signs Three More To Beast Squad

September 19, 2006

Elmira, NY - The Elmira Jackals announced today that they have signed forward Jan Skvarka and defensemen Dale Lupul and Milan Maslonka to contracts for the upcoming season.  These latest signings bring the Jackals total to 27 players signed by the Jackals for the 2006-2007 Season.

"We are now up to 27 players signed for the season," said General Manager Robbie S. Nichols.  "All of the players coming to training camp need to be at the top of their games in order to earn a roster spot."

Dale Lupul comes to the Jackals with a very bright future.  The 26-year old from Port Coquitlam, British Columbia put up very solid numbers in his first full year as a pro in 2005-06.  Lupul had 29 points (7 goals, 22 assists) and 76 penalty minutes in 59 games played for the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs of the CHL.  His season was strong enough to be named to the CHL All-Star Game, playing for the Northern Conference All Star Team and he was named to the 2005-06 Central Hockey League All-Rookie Team.  Lupul played 4-years of college hockey for the University of Wisconsin Superior, averaging almost 25 points per season.  He is reunited with Chris Shaw, a former teammate in Bossier-Shreveport last season.  The two defensemen also played together in junior hockey in 2000-01 for the Burnaby Bulldogs of the BCHL.  Lupul even better numbers in the playoffs last year, scoring 14 points (5 goals, 9 assists) in 15 games as the Mudbugs went all the way to t

"Dale is the type of player that could easily make the step to the AHL, if not higher," said Jackals Head Coach Kris Waltze.  "He will be a very important piece of our defense this year because he adds a great combination of offensive and strong defensive skills."

Another rookie added to the mix is Slovakian forward Jan Skvarka (pronounced Ska-var-ka).  The 6'3", 225 lbs had 30 points (16 goals, 14 assists) and was +28 in 46 games last year for Banska Bystrica U20, a team in the Slovakian junior league.  During the 2004-05 season, Skvarka was even better, 35 points and +36 in 26 games played.  The 20-year old rookie came to Elmira in the Future Stars Camp that was held at First Arena in late August.

"Jan is a very talented young forward," said Nichols.  "He has a few things to learn about the American style of play, but he has the potential to be an excellent rookie for our team."

Milan Maslonka (pronounced Mahs-LON-ka) is another highly touted prospect from the Slovakian Junior system.  At 6'6", 245 lbs, he brings a significant physical presence to the blue line.  During the 2005-06 season, Maslonka had 21 points (10 goals, 11 assists), 229 penalty minutes and was +22 in 39 games played for HKM Zvolen in the Slovakian Under-20 League.  At just 20-years of age, Maslonka was another participant of the Future Stars Camp, which had an exhibition game on Friday September 1st at First Arena.

"Milan moves extremely well for his size," said Coach Waltze.  "He has a very hard shot, he doesn't mind mixing it up and his physical style of play will really help keep traffic away from our goaltenders."

The Elmira Jackals are gearing up for their seventh season of operations in the United Hockey League and the Twin Tiers.  Season tickets for the 2006-2007 UHL season are on sale now as well as individual game tickets and 10 & 20-game packages at the First Arena Box Office.  For more information call 607-734-PUCK.

FIRST ARENA REC RINK

The ice is HOT at First Arena - Visit our website for a complete list of Public Skating times and Arena Programs at www.firstarena.com - Come in to the COOL place to be!
 
The First Arena Rec Rink offers public skating, skating lessons, hockey programs, figure skating, birthday parties, and much more....
 
www.jackalshockey.com - BEAST OF THE EAST! - www.jackalshockey.com

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