Jacksonville, FL– The Jacksonville Icemen, proud affiliate of the NHL Winnipeg Jets and AHL Manitoba Moose, today announced two former Icemen, Jansen Harkins and Emerson Clark, are still vying for spots on an NHL roster.
Emerson Clark, 25, is one of two forwards left on the Toronto Maple Leafs’ training camp roster not on an NHL contract after last night’s roster cuts. Clark has played in two of six exhibition contests for the Leafs, both wins, recording one assist and a plus-1 rating.
The Whitby, Ontario native caught the attention of Leafs coach Mike Babcock for his efforts in game one of the preseason when Clark registered the first assist on Andreas Borgman’s goal in period one of the 4-1 win over Ottawa. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Clark also showed his toughness going up against 6-foot-1, 216-pound Mark Borowiecki who has 47 NHL fights to his name.
Clark sang the praises of his former ECHL home, telling the Toronto Star’s Mark Zwolinski that Jacksonville’s atmosphere is unforgettable. “Let me tell you, (Jacksonville) is one of the best places I’ve played in … 7,000 to 8,000 fans a night. They were top notch,” Clark said. Clark’s brother, Everett, returns to Jacksonville’s lineup for the 2018-2019 season after playing with his brother in the club’s inaugural year.
Jansen Harkins, 21, remains on parent club Winnipeg’s roster following yesterday’s cuts. Harkins has played in two preseason games for the Jets. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound forward was drafted by the Jets in round two of the 2015 NHL Draft. He played six games for the Icemen last year recording six points (2G, 4A).
Another Jets draft pick, Matt Ustaski, 24, was reassigned to the Manitoba Moose following the second round of roster cuts yesterday. Ustaski saw action in one preseason game for the Jets finishing with a plus-1 rating. The 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward joined the Icemen last year at the culmination of his collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin. He skated in 14 games for Jacksonville notching seven points (5G, 2A).
Training camp for the Jacksonville Icemen begins next week ahead of opening night on Saturday, October 13th. An exhibition scrimmage will be played on October 6th at the Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex.
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