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Jackals add forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian

Jackals add forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian

Friday, July 29th

ELMIRA, N.Y. - The Elmira Jackals, ECHL affiliate of the NHL's Buffalo Sabres and AHL's Rochester Americans, announced the team has signed forwards Matt Hatch and Todd Christian to Standard Player Contracts for the 2016-17 season.

Hatch joins the Jackals after playing the previous two seasons for the Reading Royals. The Massena, N.Y. native recorded 27 points (15g-12a) and a +3 rating in 84 games for the Royals. In his rookie campaign, Hatch led all Royals' rookies with a +8 rating and was tied for first among team rookies with nine goals. Hatch also appeared in two games with the Lehigh Valley Phantoms of the AHL.

Prior to turning pro, the 26-year-old accrued 73 points (34g-39a) in 148 NCAA games at Union College. Over his four-year career with the Dutchmen, Hatch won an NCAA championship, two ECAC championships and one ECAC regular-season championship.

Christian comes to Elmira following a four-year career at Clarkson University. During his tenure at Clarkson, Christian recorded 15 points (9g-6a) in 77 career games. The Norwalk, Conn. native was named to the ECAC Hockey All-Academic Team in each of his first three years.

Before attending Clarkson, Christian played three seasons for the Notre Dame Hounds of the SJHL posting 110 points (51g-59a) in 162 games. He was named the team's Most Valuable Forward in 2011-12 leading the team in scoring with 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists) in 57 games.