Mark Bennett signs with ECHL's Jackals

by Ryan Fay

Former Union forward Mark Bennett signed a tryout agreement with the ECHL's Elmira Jackals on Tuesday.

Bennett with Union's 2014 national
championship trophy

The offer came after he impressed during the team's pro placement camp last weekend. He'll join the Jackals at their main training camp in October with a shot to make the team.

"I felt like I played well at the camp, and getting an invite to main camp obviously reflects that," Bennett told Union Hockey Blog. "Going forward it's only going to get more difficult but I look forward to competing for a spot at the beginning of October."

Bennett had a goal and four assists in 21 games with the Dutchmen last season. A member of their 2014 national championship team, he finished his Dutchmen career with five goals and 11 assists in 71 contests.

Bennett's signing means six of Union's seven seniors last season signed with a professional team this summer. Forward Daniel Ciampini (Rockford/AHL), goaltender Colin Stevens (Florida/NHL), forward Max Novak (Albany/AHL), defenseman Charlie Vasaturo (Kalamazoo/ECHL) and forward Sam Coatta (Mississippi/SPHL) have also joined the professional ranks.

The only senior who didn't turn pro was third-string goaltender Dillon Pieri, who took a job in the business world.

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