Elmira, NY - The Elmira Jackals,
proud member of the ECHL, are pleased to announce the singings of two
players that will be strong foundations for the Jackals offense. Robin
Big Snake and Kaleb Betts will bring skill and toughness to the Jackals
line up this season.
Big Snake, a native of Siksika Nation, Alberta, has spent his last three seasons playing professional hockey
with the Rockford Ice Hogs of the United Hockey League (UHL), the
Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Rio Grande
Valley Killer Bees of the Central Hockey League (CHL) and most recently
the Texas Brahmas of the CHL. The 6'0'' 215 pound forward is one tough
customer that is guaranteed to be the new fan favorite. Last season in
the Central Hockey League Big Snake compiled five goals, 18 assists and
350 minutes in penalties in 50 games played. His career best season was
marked in 2005-2006 when he tallied 27 goals and 19 assists to go along
with 423 penalty minutes in 66 games for the Rockford Ice Hogs under
Jackals Head Coach Steve Martinson.
"We are glad to have Big
Snake in Elmira; this is a guy that is extremely talented with great
hands. He led the UHL in fighting majors in 2005-2006, and has proved
that he can beat you in many different ways. He is an aggressive
forward that brings high energy and toughness to the line up every
night." Said Head Coach Steve Martinson.
Kaleb Betts will make
the move to Elmira and reunite with Head Coach Steve Martinson and Big
Snake after their championship season in Rockford in 2006-2007. The
5'10'' 215 pound forward was more than steady for the Ice Hogs that
season, netting 17 goals and 18 assists for a total of 35 points in 65
games played. He picked up where he left off in the playoffs scoring
four goals and adding four assists to go along with 39 penalty minutes.
Last season Betts, the native of Maple Ridge, British Columbia, skated
for the Charlotte Checkers of the ECHL. Kaleb played 47 games as a
Checker where he compiled 6 goals and 14 assists to go along with 129
minutes in penalties.
"Along with Big Snake, Betts is a guy that has played for me before. He plays a very physical game and he hits like a truck, while being highly skilled and extremely tough and he has the ability to score." Added Martinson.
"Both of these players are going to be forces for the Jackals. Head
Coach Steve Martinson has been working hard all summer long to build a
championship team and the additions of Big Snake and Betts are going to
be proof of that", explained Jackals General Manager Robbie Nichols.
