Hockey is officially back in Elmira and tickets are already on sale.

Elmira Pioneers owner Robbie Nichols and the IDA announced they’ve reached an agreement to bring hockey back to First Arena. Nichols and his wife will take over all operations, with the IDA retaining its ownership. The hope is that Nichols eventually buys the arena.

The new hockey team will play in the Federal Hockey league. Elmira has been without a pro team since the Jackals left.

“The fans are what made us do this. You saw by the turnout today. We did a soft season ticket sales over at the ball park the other day and we're probably, it's not a huge number but we sold 50 tickets before they went on sale. So we have people filling out forms now buying tickets. Corporate people calling us to buy their suites back," said Nichols.

Nichols plans to announce the team name and colors next Wednesday.