ELMIRA — Brandon Blandina was one of those victims of the NHL lockout.
Coming in from a four-year career at Robert Morris University, the rookie forward made the Elmira Jackals opening-night roster. Blandina appeared in seven games and had a goal and two assists before he was waived on Nov. 14.
Jackals coach Dwight Mullins said at the time the move had to to with numbers, not effort or production. NHL players pushed out minor-leaguers from their spots during the lockout, making it harder for unproven players to make rosters in the American Hockey League and the ECHL.
Blandina caught on with the Reading Royals and skated in four games with them, only to get released again.
Elmira brought the 23-year-old back on Jan. 8, and since then he has come up with four goals and five assists to help the Jackals on their recent hot streak.
“It was tough,” Blandina said of the bouncing around following Thursday’s practice at First Arena.
He added he was particularly proud of getting two assists against the Royals in a 5-2 victory at Reading on Jan. 21. He was named the game’s third star.
Blandina is teaming with Chaz Johnson and Matt Carter to give the Jackals a speedy and physical line.
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