Aces Acquire Center Andy Bathgate from Wichita
November 5, 2014 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Aces, the 2014 Kelly Cup champions, and head coach Rob Murray announced today that the team has acquired center Andy Bathgate from the Wichita Thunder in exchange for future considerations.
"Andy is a highly-skilled, speedy and dynamic center that we're excited will help address depth needs within our group of forwards," said Murray. "His lineage to the game of hockey is a tremendous advantage for his own professional learning curve. He brings a high amount of potential and the ability to integrate seamlessly with our style of play."
Bathgate, 23, will wear jersey #44 and is expected to be available to make his debut in an Aces sweater Friday, in a 7:15 p.m. home game at Sullivan Arena against the Bakersfield Condors. Bathgate skated in the Netherlands Premier League and Germany's Upper League last season with HYC Herentals and Konigsborner JEC, combining for 56 points in (16g-40a) in 31 games.
The 6-foot-1, 176-pound forward was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (151st overall) of the 2009 National Hockey League Entry Draft and made his pro debut in 2010-11 with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League, skating in two games.
Bathgate led the University of Guelph (CIS) in points (32) and goals (16) in 23 games during the 2012-13 season, en route to CIS (OUA West) All-Rookie and CIS (OUA West) Rookie of the Year honors. The Brampton, Ontario native also suited up for Belleville and Plymouth of the Ontario Hockey League from 2007-12, collecting 180 points (61g-119a) in 240 career games. His major junior career-high of 63 points in 68 games came in 2011-12 with Plymouth and his 44 assists that season were tied for the team lead.
His grandfather, Andy, is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame and skated as a right winger in the NHL for 17 seasons with the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings and Penguins. His #9 jersey was retired by the Rangers in 2009 and his career included a Stanley Cup championship with the Maple Leafs in 1964, along with receiving the Hart Trophy Award in 1958-59.
The Aces return to play tonight at 7:15 p.m. (GCI/KFQD), starting a four-game series at home against the Bakersfield Condors at Sullivan Arena.
Season ticket and sponsorship packages are currently available through the Aces office at 15th & Gambell. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey or visit them on Twitter, @AlaskaAces.
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