The Syracuse Crunch announced today that they returned defenseman Tim O’Connell to the Elmira Jackals (UHL). They also announced that they released right wing Ben Knopp from his amateur try-out contract.

O’Connell, 24, appeared in 50 games with Elmira, recording 8 goals, 20 assists and 98 penalty minutes. In 10 games with Syracuse this season, O’Connell recorded one goal, one assist and seven penalty minutes. A native of Grand Forks, North Dakota, O’Connell signed an American Hockey League contract with Syracuse on July 31, 2000.

Knopp, 19, appeared in 78 games with Kamloops (WHL) recording 44 goals, 39 assists and 119 penalty minutes. A native of Calgary, Alberta, Knopp was Columbus’ second pick, 69th overall, in the 2000 Entry Draft.

Syracuse plays their final home game of the regular season, Saturday, April 6 against the Albany River Rats. Game time is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are no longer available for Saturday’s game. Tickets for the Crunch’s first two playoff games are on sale now and can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street side of the War Memorial, or by calling TicketMaster at (315) 472-0700.