Alternate Captain Travis Jeke Named “Defenseman of the Year”

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – Defenseman Travis Jeke came into this season with one goal in mind: focus on playing hockey in Fayetteville, rather than moving up. With a clear head, an increased role, and the confidence of his team, Jeke went out and played his career-best brand of hockey.

His accomplishments and work-ethic did not go unnoticed. On Friday, Jeke was named an All-SPHL First Team defensemen, and today his accolade collection gains a shining-award: SPHL DEFENSEMEN OF THE YEAR.

Jeke was one of just two Marksmen (Nolan Sheeran [R]) to play in ALL 56 games, and in that time, became the league’s highest-scoring defensemen with 38 Points (6G+32A). Halfway through the season – and for the first time in his entire hockey career – Jeke was named an Alternate Captain for his contributions to the Marksmen organization.

“This may be an individual award, but this cannot be accomplished without the entire Marksmen organization. From our Owner Chuck Norris, down to each player, we couldn’t have had the season we had without each person contributing,” said Jeke “I am honored to be a part of the culture change in Fayetteville.”

During the course of the year, juxtaposed to his success, Jeke received more than a handful of call-up requests from teams in the ECHL; he turned down every one of them to keep true with his goal and stay with this team. Head Coach Jesse Kallechy praised Jeke for his dedication to the Marksmen this season.

“[Travis] was a huge piece to our team, and we are very grateful that he made the decision to stay a Marksmen all year,” said Kallechy “He is an extremely gifted-individual, and seeing his hard work and dedication rewarded is terrific.”

This is the third Defenseman of the Year award-winner in the history of the Fayetteville franchise (Mike Clarke, ’05-06/Andrew Smale, ’12-’13), and first individual-player award for the Fayetteville Marksmen.

Congratulations to our very own Travis Jeke on his awards this season, and a hearty thank you for your dedication and contributions to the Fayetteville Marksmen organization!

The preparation for the 2019-2020 season begins now for the Fayetteville Marksmen organization! Season Tickets are on-sale now, with the most affordable plans and best benefits we’ve ever offered.

If you’re interested in partnering up with the Marksmen organization, or hearing about our season ticket packages, group packages, mini-plans, or advertising benefits in-arena or with the broadcast, email Director of Digital Marketing and Media Shawn Bednard, SBednard@MarksmenHockey.com or call the Marksmen Office at (910) 321-0123.

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The Fayetteville Marksmen are owned and operated by Union Pro Hockey Group and play their home games at Crown Coliseum. The Marksmen are a committed community asset, designed to provide premium entertainment to families and individuals in Cumberland County and surrounding areas.