ECHL Board of Governors approves Elmira membership

Apr 14, 2007 - 12:04 AM PRINCETON, New Jersey (Ticker) -- The United Hockey League's loss is the ECHL's gain.

The ECHL on Friday announced its Board of Governors unanimously approved the membership application of the UHL's Elmira Jackals.

A member of the UHL for the past seven seasons, Elmira will begin play in the ECHL in October, when the league begins its 20th anniversary campaign.

"The ECHL is pleased to welcome Elmira to our North Division," ECHL commissioner Brian McKenna said. "Seven years of operational experience, a modern facility and a good geographical fit make Elmira a natural fit for our league. I am sure the fans of Elmira will enjoy ECHL hockey for many years to come."

Owned by Dr. Mostafa M. Afr, the Jackals play at the First Arena, a 4,000-seat multi-purpose facility located just north of the Pennsylvania border that opened in November 2000. The club averaged 3,308 per game during its tenure in the UHL and had 31 sellout crowds.

"We are thrilled to be a team in the North Division of the ECHL," Afr said. "This move for the Jackals is a perfect fit for both the team and our fans. Geographically, our team travel schedule will be much more cost-effective and much less grueling on our players.

"We will develop instant rivalries with our closest opponents - Reading, Johnstown and Trenton - and their proximity will allow our fans to take less-daunting road trips within our division. We feel that joining the ECHL is the first step towards bringing our organization to the next level."

Elmira did not qualify for the Colonial Cup Playoffs this season, finishing ninth in the regular-season standings with a 30-45-1 record and 61 points.