FPHL Expands to Elmira, NY

Elmira, NY - The Federal Prospects Hockey League announced on Tuesday that it will be expanding to Elmira, NY for the 2018-2019 season. 

The franchise is owned by Robbie Nichols, former General Manager of the Elmira Jackals and current co-owner of the Elmira Pioneers of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. 

A press conference was held at First Arena, where Nichols announced Marc Witt as the team’s General Manager. Witt has previous experience in Elmira, working as a Partnership Account Executive for the Jackals in 2010-2011. Witt went on to work for the Oklahoma City Barons of the AHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets of the NHL, and was most recently Vice President of Sales for the Binghamton Devils of the AHL. The team name, colors, head coach, other staff members, and first player signings will be announced at a press conference on July 25th. 

Elmira was home of the Elmira Jackals for 17 years. The Jackals played in the UHL from 2000-2007, and the ECHL from 2007-2017. 

"We're hoping they're going to be the pillar of the league," stated FPHL Commissioner Don Kirnan. "That's our goal. We think in another two or three years it's going to turn us into a 12 team league. We just think it's going to be a game changer for us."

Photo credit: WETM 18 News