HOME

PHILADELPHIA  JACKALS 

      Center Ice News &

       Media Coverage

FEBRUARY   2012 02/11/12         With starters Phil Haywood and Nat Acchione out for the season with injuries, the net has been accupied by Rick Piper and Ronnie Schwartz. "It has not been easy for me to sit and watch games, but with an MCL injurie, I have to rehab the rest of the year to prepare and be ready for next season, stated Phil Haywood."                     While on Saturday's game against Albany netminder Rick Piper allowed 7 goals in the 1st and part of the 2nd and was pulled. Ronnie Schwartz finished the game and allowed no goals, playing almost the equal time as Piper. "We can not be allowing 7 goals in 30 minutes, it showed that when we switched netminders, no goals were allowed. All I can say is that our guys can not say they were not given their chances to perform. With the playoffs approaching, games are important as to whom will be getting the starting roll, stated Coach Simmons." -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter  02/10/12       Jackals prepare to take on the Albany Americans this Saturday at home, this will be the Jackals last home game of the season, with their last two remaining games on the road. They will play the Aviators in NY and the Habs in Trenton, then prepare for post season play.   -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter  JANUARY 2012 01/25/12      The Philadelphia Jackals lost 5-1 to Penn State in an abbreviated game at The Rink in Elkins Park on Tuesday night. "We were completely outworked and outplayed. Some of these kids had a true taste of hockey at the collegiate level, even if it was in the ACHA. Our guys were getting hit hard and out worked, continued turnovers both defensively and offensively gave the game away. We are our own worst enemy out there, stated Coach Simmons." The Jackals will once again face Penn State at home on Sunday night. Game time is 8 P.M. and the game will be televised.    01/23/12     Philadelphia inks Center, Dace Ludwig who played last season for the Mid-State Mustangs 'AA', in 20 games he tallied 17 goals and 32 assists for a total of 49 pts. He will arrive in town tomorrow in time for the Penn State game. 01/21/12     The Jackals pulled out a win against the Aviators, 2-1. "We were not pleased with the game we played. We did not play 60 minutes of hockey and Piper kept us in it for the win, stated the Jackals Coaching Staff." Philadelphia will hit the ice on Monday for practice and prepare to take on the Penn State Nittny Lions on Tuesday, January 24 at 9 PM at The Rink!!!! -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter 01/19/12    The Jackals will head to NYC this Saturday as they take on the N.Y. Aviators at 8:30 P.M. in Brooklyn, N.Y. 01/18/12     The Jackals fell short of a winning weekend as they went 0-3 in the Boston Showcase. "We need to regroup and the players have to understand that there is adversity in this game and when it gets rough, we find ways to work through it. Sure, we have both of our two starting goalies down for the season, but there are five other skaters on the ice and we have to make sure we all do our jobs to produce as well, stated Coach Cancel." 01/09/11    Although the Jackals had a good weekend, the coaches know against quality skilled teams, it will not be so easy. This was noted at the games against the Stampede, as we struggled between the pipes. The Jackals have invited three goalies to practice this week, to see who will be able to handle the starting job, with the upcoming playoffs ahead. 01/08/11   The Philadelphia Jackals started 2012 off well, sweeping a weekend series with the N.Y. Jr. Aviators at The Rink, in Elkins Park. On Saturday, Ronnie Schwartz made 17 saves as the Jackals won 13-4. On Sunday, Rick Piper made 28 saves as they won again 13-2. Saturday’s 13 goals were the most goals scored by the team this season, and the 1st time since October 22nd they had scored more than 10 (an 11-0 Win at Home vs. Long Island). Even with the convincing wins, the coaching staff had a slightly different perspective. Coach Unger stated he was pleased the team “played better, but they still didn’t play 60 minutes”. -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter                 The Jackals next contest is a home game versus Penn State on Thursday night at 9pm. DECEMBER 2011 12/17/12      The Jackals played up to the Stampede but yet again, mental mistakes and turnovers cost the Jackals a double header today as they lost both games. With Defenseman Chris Sawyer on team suspension, his absence on defense was noticed.                      "It's becoming very troubling when some players keep making the same mistakes; dangling, out of position, passing, turnovers and then they wonder why we can not win games. Both games today we played solid hockey, then on the PP we had two short handed goals and we could not convert on our shots or passes. The players need to listen and pay attention to detail when it comes to the direction of the coaches.  This team can compete against any team in our league, but we have to play with hockey sense, passion and desire to win. With many college coaches at the games they are only hurting themselves, as sometimes you only get that one look or shot to prove yourself, stated Coach Simmons."                       12/13/11      With the Jackals starting netminder, Phil Haywood out with a strained MCL, the pressure was on for the team to look for an addition to the two other netminders, Ricky Piper and Nat Acchione. Today, Jackals have signed netminder  Ronnie Schwartz, from Aurora, Ohio.                   "Although we have seen some success with netminder Nat Acchione, he still struggles with consistency which is needed at the next level, but has proven to be a productive netminder with Phil Haywood on the IR. Ronnie Schwartz will have to earn his playing time as well as the rest of the players. These three games are crucial to our climb up the Mid-Atlantic Division. We win all 3 games this weekend, this will put us 1 game behind the Trenton Habs. I don't know about you, but that would be a great way to head out to Christmas break, stated Coach Simmons." -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter 12/11/11     The Philadelphia Jackals defeated the Long Island Wolfpack 4-3 at the Rink in Elkins Park on Sunday night. Despite the win, the Jackals coaching staff was not pleased with the effort. “We didn’t show up, it’s as simple as that. Nobody showed up today. If you watch teams that win at the higher level, it is because they’re consistent in what they do. We’re up and down and we can’t do that. We have to stay consistent, stated Coach Unger.” Next weekend, December 17 & 18, 2011, the Jackals travel to Syracuse to face the Stampede. Syracuse currently leads the Mid-Atlantic Division, but the coaching staff feels they are beatable. “The last time we were at Syracuse, we were tied 1-1 going into the 3rd. We lost that game ourselves with bad decisions ending up in penalties. If we stay out of the box and converge on our power play, like we did against Trenton, we have a good shot at winning. This would be a great way to go on Christmas Break, stated Coach Unger.” -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter 12/10/11    The Aviators were grounded from any flight yesterday, as the Jackals defeated the Aviators 5-2. A few of the Jackals players tallied anywhere from 1-3 pts.; Forward Jacob Coyle had 2 goals and 1 asst., Forward Carson Cavers had 2 goals and Forward Nick Miller had 1 goal and 2 assts. Other players with points were Cody Slaght, Jan Mamrilla, Braden Carter, Tommy Labrecque and John Reinert.                "We were not pleased with the level of play from the boys, we were very sloppy and lacked effort to win battles to the puck and play our systems. The score should have been much higher and the 2 goals we allowed should not have gone in as well, stated Coach Simmons."                      The Jackals will have the Penn State Coaching Staff in attendance at today's game. "This is the time when players have to give 110% as you only get one chance sometimes to catch a coaches look at the next level, stated Coach Ross." -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster-Reporter 12/05/11   The Jackals appeared to have their Christmas Cheer in full gear, as they outplayed the Habs in both games. The Habs won on Saturday 6-4, being they were on two 5-on-3 PP given by the poor officiating in the last 4 minutes of the 3rd period, but any truthful hockey fan knows the Jackals outplayed them. On Sunday, the Jackals again came out full blast, making sure the Habs knew their bite was worse than their bark, as the Habs came back and tied the Jackals 5-5.                 "We are very proud of the guys, two mental mistakes creating turnovers gave them their goals. It was not as though they earned them. Every goal our guys scored was well executed and earned. We look forward to continuing our hard work and moving up in the Mid-Atlantic Division, stated Coach Simmons."                 The Jackals will be home this weekend as they take on the NY Aviators on Saturday and L.I. Wolfpack on Sunday. NOVEMBER 2011 11/30/11   Mississauga Chargers, Tier II Jr. 'A' of the OJHL and Affiliate of the Jackals have taken an interest in Asst. Captain and Jackals leading scorer, Cody Slaght. "As I have always stated, we move our players on, especially those that work very hard on and off the ice, along with a good character and attitude. Sure if it affects the roster. This is part of the business and you can not think of just winning and being worried of losing a key player as this is a 'team' sport. The Chargers will be watching Cody and a few other players this weekend, regarding the call up, stated Coach Simmons." 11/29/11  The Jackals give back to the community by volunteering their time to the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettles!!!!! The Jackals will also be having a "Toys for Tots" game on December 10 & 11, so make sure to bring a toy for a child in need to the Jackals last set of home games before Christmas break.               "I feel it is very important for the men to give back to the community and help those out that are less fortunate at this time of the year, stated Coach Ross." 11/24/11     The Philadelphia Jackals would like to wish all a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!!! 11/21/11     The Jackals kept the Wolfpack in the dog house, as they swept them in their series at home!!!! On Saturday, the Jackals defeated the Wolfpack 5-3 and on Sunday 7-4.                  "This was a good way to have the team go on Thanksgiving break with two wins and 8 points behind the 2nd place, Trenton Habs, which we will face on December 3 & 4, 2011, upon return from out break, stated Coach Ross." 11/13/11       Jr. Jackals forwards, Nate Nelson, Carson Cavers and John Reinert attended the Pro ECHL Jackals game on Sunday, November 13, 2011, against the Reading Royals and had a one-on-one talk with 17 year NHLer, Craig Rivet. Rivet has been with the Montreal Canadians, San Jose Sharks, Buffalo Sabres and Columbus Blue Jackets. Rivet is now playing Defense for the Elmira Jackals as a key point on the Special Teams and teaching the younger players moving up to the AHL/NHL.     "I think its great that Jimi Simmons puts this much time and effort into making sure his players have every opportunity available to them to expand their game on and off the ice. It was my pleasure talking to the young men and answering their questions, stated Craig Rivet." Additional Elmira Jackals players that spoke with the junior players, was former NCAA Div. I Maine Black Bears player and Philadelphia Flyers 2004 NHL draft selection, Rob Bellamy.       "I see the way Jimi works here at the Pro level with us, taking extra time after practice, making sure we have our game to the best it can be. He is a 'no joke around coach', all business, which is great. I can see he makes sure the young players get the best education possible and I was glad I could answer their questions. I pretty much told them how it is, the the road I took to get where I am now and the routine and dedication it takes, day in and out to better my performance. Only the strong survive and you have to be serious about the game on and off the ice as well, stated Rob Bellamy."           "I'm thankful to be in a position where my job at the pro hockey level allows me to have access and share the knowledge and experience of such players as Craig Rivet, with our junior players. Especially to speak with and have private one-on-one Q & A sessions. To have players like Rivet and Bellamy 'honestly' tell these kids the way it is and how the game is to be played on and off the ice is the continued education that we strive for in the betterment of our players . There is no other jr. program out there that I know of that has an active coach that is still working in pro hockey, that can give them active pro player education and opportunities at this level. This is a major key to the program and an edge that we are thankful to have, stated Coach Simmons." 11/11/11       Syracuse Showcase weekend!!!! The Jackals prepare to take on the NY Gamblers, an oppenent they have not yet played this season and the Syracuse Stampede.     The Jackals play the Gamblers at 11 A.M. Friday and the Stampede at 3 P.M. 11/04/11        The Jackals organizations took a double blow, as both the Pro and Jr. team suffered loss'. The Pro Jackals gave a 3-0 lead to the Trenton Titans, allowing them to come back and score 4 unanswered goals to win the game. The Jr. Jackals came out and played a good 1st period, but in the middle of the 2nd and into the 3rd just had mental and position breakdowns, along with penalties to give the Trenton Habs a win. On Saturday, the Jackals came out fast and furious, wanting to redeem themselves from the loss on Friday night. Netminder, Alex Mader also showed he can play, by redeeming himself from his play earlier in the begining of the season. "We came out hard and played smart system hockey. But we just could not get a break, I can't count the number of posts we hit and wide shots taken. We have to learn to burry the puck and crash the net to finish the play until the players hear the whistle, stated Asst. GM/Asst. Coach Cancel." 11/01/11       The Jackals defeated the N.Y. Aviators last Saturday, but due to the poor, unsafe travel conditions and the team bus having a minor accident, causing them not to have transportation for the following day. The IJHL had cancelled the game Sunday afternoon, as the players safety comes first.                    The Jackals prepare to take on the Trenton Habs this Friday and Saturday at Sun Center in Trenton, N.J.                    "We know they play a fast game and we have to match up to their game. So our players need to come out hard, play our systems and learn to make adjustments as needed, stated Coach Simmons". OCTOBER   2011 10/31/11        The Philadelphia Jackals Family sends its regards to Defenseman, Braden Carter and their family for their loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time. 10/30/11        Due to the storm and traveling conditions, the game against the NY Aviators today has been cancelled and will be rescheduled soon. 10/24/11         The Jackals swept their Home Games this weekend vs. the L.I. Wolfpack and N.Y. Aviators, having them trail behind the 2nd place Gamblers and 3rd place Habs by one game. The Jackals will hit the road this weekend as they take on the N.Y. Aviators in the Big Apple on 10/29/11 and 10/30/11. "We still have much to work on, the games were better this week with regards to our systmes, understanding positioning and being disciplined. Mental mistakes need to be restrained and we need to be faster on our feet and start making quicker decisions with the movement of the puck, stated Coach Simmons." 10/23/11        The Philadelphia Jackals would like to wish former "broadcast intern", Jessica Brander, as she has moved to Elmira, N.Y. to work for the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL. "I'm so thrilled to have something like this happen to assist my career to the next level. I thank Coach Simmons and the Philadelphia Jackals organization, stated Jessica Brander." 10/22/11        The Philadelphia Jackals will have a special guest in town to watch the games this weekend.                    Asst. GM of the Elmira Jackals of the ECHL, Don Lewis, will be in attendance to watch the Jr. team play, as the Elmira Jackals defeated the Florida Everblades last night and are 3-0-0-0. The Elmira Jackals currently are in 1st place in the Atlantic Division and overall in 1st in the Eastern Conference of the ECHL.                    "After last nights victory, I figured I would come back to Philadelphia with Coach Simmons to see how our Jr. Affiliate team is doing. This will give me an apportunity to do a player report on some players that are looking to make the jump to the pros. I feel it is important for us as professionals to give back to the future players of the game we all love, stated Asst. GM, Don Lewis of the Elmira Jackals".                    "This is just another example of us giving our players maximum exposure to not just the collegiate teams, but professional as well. We provide the tools for them to do the job on the ice, stated Coach Simmons". 10/12/11        The Elmira Jackals have signed former Buffalo Sabres captain and longtime NHL defenseman Craig Rivet.                                 "This is not only great for our team, but it will also assist in develpoing our younger players. This will also add more to our Jr. players as well, as they will also have an NHL player to talk with when in attendance at our games to obtain the work ethic and road Craig took to achieve his goal  to the next level and eventually the NHL where he marked 923 NHL games, stated Coach Simmons". 10/16/11        The Jackals end their 6 game losing streak by defeating the Wolfpack 6-2.                     Philadelphia had 2 goals and 1 assist from Assistant Captain, Cody Slaght. Additional goals were scored by Jan Mamrilla, Carson Cavers, Jacob Coyle and Tommy Labrecque.                      "We played better hockey and only amassed 6 penalties, which is still too many for our team. The more our players learn to be disciplined and work through the adversity and play smart, we will win more games, stated Coach Unger".                      "As a whole we played quality hockey, regardless of whether the team was good or not. It was no different then when we had the number one team in the IJHL tied 2-2 going into the last period and gave up 5 PP goals. So they are proving to themselves that they can play hockey. We had a total of 45 shots to their 25. Our netminder played a solid game as well, stated Coach Cencel". 10/10/11        The Jackals came out hard and played good hockey, going into the last period with the score tied 2-2. Poor officiating and also a lack of discipline on the players, gave them yet another defeat, this time to NSA, 6-2. "Our players will start learning to play a full 60 minutes of hockey, as well as staying out of the box and we will be disciplined!!! If not, we will start sitting players out to get our coaching ethics and systems into their head. We are too good of a team to have good leads and close games lost due to poor play and positioning. The endless penalties and multiple PP goals against us will cease as well, stated Coach Simmons".                    "There is no excuse, we have to learn to fight through rough times, even when we have poor officiating. We have to be strong mentally and play through adversity. We were tied going into the last period, 2-2, and gave up 5 unanswered goals. Sure, we can blame the officiatiing and say what a horrible job they did, but to allow 5 goals on their 5 PP is just unacceptable. Sure it was hard on our guys as all of their goals were PP goals, 3 of them were 5-on-3, stated Coach Unger".      "We made adjustments today in the net, up front and on defense, which was working well. But our guys need to be disciplined and learn to finish our games strong and mentally strong as well. I am a coach that never finds excuses to place blame, but today's game was a disrespect to all sports, as one official was just bad and appeared to find humor in berating the players and showng the players that they would control the game by calling 9 penalties to NSA's 2 in the last period, stated Coach Cancel". 10/09/11        The Jackals were not able to light the lamp once in the game against the Kodiaks which ended 2-0. The second game was not better, the Jackals were out played and many weak goals were allowed to go in, giving the Mariners their first win of the season, 7-3. -Phil Almquist, Team Broadcaster 10/06/11        Philadelphia has signed big 6' 6" 195 lb. Nate Nelson, from Pontiac, Michigan. He was previously playing Jr. 'A' for the Shelburne Red Wings in the GMJHL in Canada.                     "I feel Nate will compete and play well with our new systems we will be starting this week, to increase the speed  on our forecheck and defensive zone systems, stated Coach Simmons". 10/04/11        The Jackals had a tough weekend against the Stampede, losing both of their games last weekend.                     "The first game was bad all around; our goalies did not hold up, defensive break downs and our forwards were not willing to win battles in the offensive and defensive zones, stated Coach Ross".                     "The boys came out and played hard the 1st period, but in the 2nd and 3rd periods they slowed their tempo down and we were in the penalty box again, which cost us the game. We tried to pull the netminder tords the end, but gave up the empty netter to give the Stampede the 5-2 win, stated Coach Unger". 7 SEPTEMBER  2011 09/27/11        The Philadelphia Jackals add more depth to their coaching staff, with the addition of Assistant Coach, Andy Ross.                     Coach Ross comes to the Jackals with 10+ years of Pro experience. "He will be a huge addition to the program and will have much to offer to the players. The more credibility we bring to our coaching staff will just bring more experience to our players, stated Coach Simmons". 09/24/11       The Jackals lose their home opener to the Habs and their lack of effort and attention to detail cost them the game. Following the game, Jessica Brander spoke with the coaching staff to get their thoughts.                   "They are not a better team than us, the difference is, they made smart decisions with the puck, played position hockey and skated a full 60 minutes. Players were making line changes on their back check, which cost us 2 goals, defensemen were getting walked along the boards, 2 goals and we did let some soft goals in as well. We need to be more aggressive in planting ourselves in front of the net. We had too many opportunities that were missed due to positioning".                     "I take full responsibility for the loss and I will also make sure I correct the problems, if that means bringing more players in and sitting others, then so be it. I will not have the program suffer for a few that are not willing to do their job, stated Coach Simmons".                      "If they were a better team and we gave it all we had, then we cannot be upset with our players, but we didn't. I remember Coach Simmons stating earlier in the week, if we play like we did a few games ago, we will get beat.......well, I will leave it at that as we saw the loss. We need to come out tomorrow ready to play smart, aggressive and positional hockey, stated Coach Unger". 09/23/11      Philadelphia has signed Forward, Kirill Kulakov from Russia. Last season Kirill split his time between juniors and pro with the BC Revolution.                  "We saw him skate at our Pro Rookie Camp in Elmira and he skated with our other Affiliate Team as well, the Danbury Whalers. In camp he injured his shoulder, in turn, he was sent down to us".                   "He is a natural skater with good hands, smart hockey sense and knows where to be on the ice, which is something you need at the next level. We look for him to even out our lines and bring some assurance to the forwards already set in place, stated Coach Simmons". 09/22/11     The Jackals prepare to keep their win streak alive as they take on the Mid-Atlantic 1st Place Trenton Habs. Both teams have been rivals since the beginning of last season.                   "We always have a good game; fast paced, hard hitting and most of all, both teams respect one another and the game. We look to have a good weekend. I just want our boys to play a full 60 minutes of hockey, play smart, stay out of the box and be positive, stated Coach Simmons". 09/15/11    Jackals big brother and Pro 'AA' Affiliate, Elmira Jackals announced on Wednesday that they have renewed their affiliation agreements with the NHL's Ottawa Senators and Anaheim Ducks for the 2011-12 season.                 For full details and news you can click here. 09/11/11    The Jackals came out and their 'bark was just as bad as their bite'!!!!!! The Wolfpack were physically and skillfully out played in both games. Out of 18 players, there were a total of 13 gathering points over the weekend.                Although the Jackals won both games, Coach Simmons was not very pleased with the performance of the wins. "In the first game, we came out and played great hockey in the first period, but then slowed down. Our players must learn to play a full 60 minutes of hockey and finish our games strong. I noted that is was the first games of the season, but we have to be mentally strong, stay out of the childish chirping some teams play, make smart decisions with the puck and skate for 60 minutes. We do this and we will be a very skilled program, as there are many players on this team that have talent. They just need to be groomed and coached to the next level, stated Coach Simmons".                Goalies Nat Acchione from NJ and Phil Haywood from California both recorded their first wins on the season, along with Phil "Hollywood" Haywood recording the teams and IJHL's first shutout of the season. 09/05/11    The Philadelphia Jackals have been off to a strong training camp so far and are getting ready to start the season off on the road, against the L.I. Wolfpack Sept. 10 & 11, 2011. "We had a strong record against them last season, we lost only 1 out of the 6 games we played against them last year. We do not educate our players on wins/loss', rather to come in and play ever single game with the same mind set and preparation, no matter who they are playing, stated Coach Simmons". AUGUST  2011 08/24/11    The Jackals have added 'Play-By-Play Broadcaster', Phil Almquist for the 2011-12 season. Phil will conduct all broadcasts for home games for the Jackals, as well as the weekly 'Coaches Show' and player interviews.                 Phil's background extends from interviewing ex-NFL players at youth football camps in the South last summer. Additionally, he was an intern for Comcast Sportsnet and the Philadelphia Flyers last season and was the home 'play-by-play' voice of the University of Penn Lacrosse team in 2010.                  The Jackals have also added camera operator, Jon Palmer and Program Director, Jessica Brander to the Brodcast Crew for the 2011-12 season. We welcome all three members to the Jackals Family. 08/06/11    Blue Ice Hockey Sticks has become the official supplier to the Philadelphia Jackals for the 2011-12 season. "I had some players, along with myself utilize the stick and it worked well. To be very honest, it felt no different from the Reeboks that we use in the Pros, but the difference here was the price and quality, stated Coach Simmons". JULY  2011 7/10/11    The Philadelphia Jackals have filled their last spot to complete their Forwards for the 2011-12 season. Nick Miller has signed with the Jackals, formerly played for the Flyers Youth Midget ‘AAA’ hockey program.            "We are almost complete with our roster, with the last two remaining spots needing to be filled by defensemen. This is a key search as we have to have a solid core of deep players at these positions. Last year we leaned on our netminder (Jordan Marr) too many times to win games and that will not happen this year, we need to be strong in all areas of the game,"stated Coach Simmons. JUNE 2011 06/30/11    The first ever, Jr. 'A' game on the east coast of the US will be played by the Philadelphia Jackals and Trenton Habs!!!!                 The first ever outdoor game to feature an NHL team was held on February 2, 1954. The Detroit Red Wings played an exhibition game on an outdoor ice surface, in 21 °F (−6 °C) degree weather, against inmates at Michigan's Marquette Branch Prison. After the first period the Red Wings led in the game 18–0; the score for the rest of the game was not kept.                 "This is a great experience for both teams, players, coaching staff, parents and the fans. I remember countless hours back home as a child, where we would be skating on the frozen Lake of Ontario for hours on end. There is a different sense of playing when you are outdoors. We look forward to the upcoming news as to the location. One location is at a historic rink in Buffalo, NY. We are also presently in communications with the Philadelphia Flyers, as they have their Winter Classic game vs. the NY Rangers on January 2, 2012 at Citizens Bank Park, "stated Coach Simmons.                 "It will give the players and fans a chance to see how the game was first played in Canada, and how it has evolved to date. With me and Jimi both being from up north, we know how the game is played on the pond. The Trenton Habs and Philadelphia Jackals have a healthy rivalry and look forward to a great fast skating game in the great outdoors, “stated Coach Brule.                  Stay tuned to for upcoming details as to the date and location of the first Jr. 'A' Winter Classic game!!!!!! 06/28/11    The Philadelphia Jackals will be playing the Penn State Nittany Lions Collegiate Ice Hockey Team, Brandywine, in September and October of the 2011-12 Season. "I feel this is very important and a huge step for the players as they will have a chance to not just play against collegiate players, but also be scouted by the the Penn State Coaching Staff, " stated Coach Simmons. 06/27/11    As the summer approached, the Jackals Coaching Staff was hard at work making sure they compiled the most qualified players to complete their 2011-12 Roster. Today, the Jackals signed another forward, 6' 01" 190 lb., Tommy Labrecque, from Quebec. In 2010-11, he played for the Quebec Frontenac-Citadelles, Midget Major team. In 36 games, he scored 16 goals, 26 assists for a total of 42 points and had 44 PIMS. This brings the Jackals Forwards to 11, with one spot remaining to be filled. "I am looking to have 4 strong lines, not 2 or 3. Each line will have their purpose and task at hand to complete and contribute as a team this season, “stated Coach Unger who recruited Tommy. "We need players that are mature and eager to win. We are not saying we don't want our guys to have fun, heck, that's why we love the game. This is also a business, where we need to educate these players on and off the ice to get to the next level. For those players that work hard on/off the ice, study, work well in the Jackals community, build good character skills and put 110% into their game will succeed, “stated Coach Simmons. 06/17/11   The Philadelphia Jackals signed former AJHL/MJHL-Philadelphia Little Flyer, Forward, Janko Mamrilla. "Jan is a power forward that has good speed and is a play maker. He played both Jr. 'A' & 'B' and will be a big contributor to the Jackals for the upcoming 2011-12 season," stated Coach Simmons.         Stay tuned as the Jackals will be signing two additional players this week from Canada. "Once we have finalized their contracts, living arrangements and most importantly their schooling, we will announce their signing. The cream is starting to rise to the top as players are no longer being blinded with the false promises that some of these teamsdo not uphold. The bottom line is movement of our players and our Alumni page on our site shows that to our players and parents, "stated Ass. GM, Pedro Cancel. 06/08/11      The Binghamton Senators, AHL affiliate of the Elmira Jackals, won their first ever Calder Cup championship on Tuesday night. The B-Sens defeated the Houston Aeros in six games, clinching the title with a 3-2 victory on the road. The Jackals have been the primary ECHL developmental team for the Senators since the 2008-2009 season. Four players who skated with the Jackals during the 2010-2011 season saw game action with the Senators in the 2011 Calder Cup Playoffs. Patrick Coulombe, Mike Hoffman, David Sloane, and Brennan Turner combined for a total of 30 games in the AHL's postseason. "We are very excited for Binghamton and admire the never-give-up attitude the club displayed during the playoffs,"Jackals general manager Robbie S. Nichols said. "It is thrilling to see players who skated for the Jackals during the season be a part of a championship." "Ottawa and Binghamton have been terrific to work with over the past three seasons. Executive vice president of operations Tom Mitchell and head coach Kurt Kleinendorst were very helpful and accomodating this season and are very deserving of a championship," Nichols added. During the regular season, 12 players participated in games with both the Jackals and the B-Sens. Joining Coulombe, Hoffman, Sloane, and Turner in that category were R.J. Anderson, Jason Bailey, Mike Brodeur, Corey Cowick, Tim Spencer, Andrew Sweetland, Yannick Tifu, and Garrett Zemlak. "Being with the Elmira Jackals and having the B-Sens as our Affiliate and to see those guys win is a great feeling and hats off to their fans and the city of Binghamton," stated Coach Simmons. 06/03/11     Jackals sign a pair of players from Wasila, Alaska. Philadelphia signed Forward, Chris Sawyer, who played 38 games last year in the NORPAC, Tier III Jr. 'A' for the River City Jaguars. Sawyer tallied 3 goals and 5 assists, along with 3 points on the PP and showed he had toughness by amassing 260 PIMS for the season.The Jackals also signed Defenseman, Braden Carter, whom also hails from Wasila, Alaska and was a teammate of Sawyers. Carter played in 33 games and tallied 8 points and 90 PIMS for the River City Jaguars of the NORPAC Tier III Jr. 'A'.                   "I am looking forward to seeing some grinding toughness added to our team, but these players can play as well. We are looking for them to produce and our Pro team affiliates will be watching,  stated Coach Simmons."