Fayetteville, N.C-  The Fayetteville Marksmen on Friday announced the acquisition of a defensemen from the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. In exchange for defensemen Joe Sova, the Marksmen receive Travis Jeke. In separate transactions, the team also announced the signing of defensemen Cody Walsh and Taylor Love, to the camp roster.

“Although we had to give up a very strong and experienced player in Joe Sova, we received a defensemen (Jeke) that will help to build the type of team that allows us to play our brand of hockey this upcoming season,” Head Coach Nick Mazzolini said.

“I am very excited to have Travis join the Marksmen.  He is a player that I believe adds value to our current roster while being young and determined to develop and move on,” added Director of Hockey Operation, Ryan Cruthers. “We will continue to make moves throughout the off season to put the best possible product on the ice.”

A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Jeke comes to the Marksmen for his second season of professional hockey. After beginning last season with the Knoxville Ice Bears, Jeke spent his rookie campaign up and down with four different ECHL Clubs (Adirondack Thunder, Elmira Jackals, Toledo Walleye, Reading Royals).  In all, the 6-foot-2, 193 pound rearguard appeared in 14 games for the Ice Bears, tallying one goal and five assists.

Prior to turning pro, the 24-year-old skated for the Boston College Eagles from 2012-2016, appearing in 69 games and scoring 12 points (5 goals, 7 assists), during his tenure.

Love is entering his third season of professional hockey, after spending the 2016/17 campaign with the Danbury Titans of the Federal Hockey League. The native of Mission Viejo, California chipped home four goals and 13 assists in 46 games of action last season.

The previous season, Love spent time in the ECHL, lacing up in four contests with the Elmira Jackals. He also skated in 10 games for the Titans, posting four assists in that time.

Before joining Danbury, the 6-foot-3, 215 pound blueliner played for Elmira College, completing three successful seasons (2012-2015) with the Soaring Eagles.

Prior to his tenure with Elmira College, Love spent two seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League, skating for four different teams (Vernon Vipers, Victoria Grizzlies, Coquitlam Express, Salmon Arm Silverbacks) from 2010-2012.

Walsh joins the Marksmen for his second season of professional hockey, following his rookie campaign where he skated in 55 games for the Rail Yard Dawgs, posting 14 points (2g, 12a) on the season.

The native of Rolling Meadows, Illinois, began his pro career after four seasons (2012-16) with Davenport University of the American Collegiate Hockey Association. In 149 appearances, Walsh notched 23 goals and 76 assists, while adding 196 PIM.

Before joining the Davenport Panthers, the 6-foot, 195-pound rearguard spent four seasons in the North American Hockey League with five different teams. During his tenure, Walsh laced up for 146 contests, depositing 11 goals and 22 assists in his time in the NAHL.

Suite seats, suite eats. Fans can attend the seven-best games of the season in our Fox Hole Suite, and receive All-You-Can-Eat hotdogs, popcorn, chips, soda, and water! More information is available at: https://marksmenhockey.com/tickets/all-you-can-eat-package/

BE SOCIAL: Follow the Marksmen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest news and information surrounding the team. Search and follow “Marksmen Hockey” for behind-the-scenes content, player and coach’s interviews, and much more!

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.