ELMIRA, N.Y. -- Saturday night marked the end of an era for hockey fans in Elmira.

It was their last chance to watch their beloved Jackals play at First Arena.

"It’s emotional," said fan Mike German. "We’ve obviously been here since the day that they started and it’s hard to say goodbye."

The team came to Elmira nearly two decades ago and its dedicated fans have been rooting them on ever since.

"17 years is a long time for anything and we appreciate the commitment that a lot of fans had," said Jackal's Senior Account Executive Mike Strobel.

Even after missing the playoffs for a fourth straight season, fans stood behind the Jackals through thick and thin.

"Fans have always been great, very supportive and very positive, even through the tough year we’ve had this year. They’ve always had our back," said Jackals forward Mark Bennett. "They have been really everything you could ask for."

"There's been a lot of ups and downs with the team, but fans stick with their teams," said German.

And it's not just the team that has been skating through turmoil. The future of the arena itself has been on thin ice for months.

First Arena changed hands in March, and new owner Brian Barrett's deal is contingent on bringing in a new hockey team.

"You know the Jackals might not be back next year but I’ve got complete faith that there will be a team here in the near future if not next year," said Bennett. "I think that should be a true testament to the fans we do have here. They wouldn’t be bringing a team back and working as hard as they are to get a team here if it wasn’t for the great fan support."

While First Arena officials say there's no plan in place for a new franchise just yet, fans are keeping a positive outlook.

"We obviously hope good things for the future," said German.

"They might not be called the Jackals but I'm sure they’ll love and support them just as much when they do get here," said Bennett.

In the meantime, hockey fans will wait and hope that the goal of bringing in a new team is just a quick slapshot away.