Aces Bolster Blue Line with Two Signings
Published on September 23, 2010 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
Anchorage, AK; September 23, 2010 - The Alaska Aces have signed second-year defenseman, Brandon Gentile, and rookie blue liner, Jack Christian for the 2010-2011 season, Head Coach Brent Thompson announced on Thursday. The duo lifts the numbers of Aces players under contract to 18, including six defensemen. The Aces preseason "Purple with Purpose" games are set to take place on October 5th and 6th when Alaska hosts the Stockton Thunder. Tickets for the games are currently on sale now. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.2237 or visit them online at www.alaskaaces.com.
Gentile, 23, comes to Alaska for his second full pro season, after playing for the now-defunct, Flint Generals of the IHL last year. Gentile had an immediate impact in his rookie campaign, leading all Generals defenseman in scoring. He also was second on the team in plus-minus rating. Furthermore, with 30 points (8g, 22a) in 64 games, he finished seventh overall in league defensemen scoring. The 6'0", 196 lbs. Gentile was a force on the power play, tabbing 17 of his 30 points on the man-advantage. Gentile added four assists in 12 playoff games, and helped Flint upset the top seeded Muskegon Lumberjacks on the way to the IHL Finals. The transition to the pro ranks was a smooth one for Gentile. In his entire collegiate career, Gentile amassed 16 assists in 135 games. However, he nearly doubled that in less than half the games last season. Prior to his rookie season, Gentile played four years of college hockey at Michigan State University. While with the Spartans, he played alongside former Aces forward Ryan Turek. In 2008-2009, following his collegiate career, he made his pro debut, appearing in 13 games as an amateur with the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL. Before college, the Clarkston, MI native also skated for the under-18 U.S. Men's National Team.
Christian, 23, will be making his pro debut this season following four years at Harvard University. A lumbering presence on the back line, the 6'2", 230 lbs. Christian was one of the Crimson's hardest hitters throughout his collegiate career. The defensive-minded defenseman skated in 107 games for Harvard, combining for 14 points (4g, 10a). A Wilton, CT native, Christian missed the first half of his senior year, but rebounded to play in 16 of the team's final 17 games last season. The Aces now have 10 forwards, six defensemen, and two goaltenders under contract for the 2010-2011 season.
Fans don't forget - the Aces preseason "Purple with Purpose" game is less than two weeks away! Then the 2010-2011 regular season begins on October 15th at the Sullivan Arena. Season tickets and corporate packages are currently available. Mini-Game ticket packages start at just $111 for the season and are currently available through the Aces office. For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.2237 or visit them online at www.alaskaaces.com.
ECHL Stories from September 23, 2010
- Reign to Select Training Camp Prospects at FA Tryouts - Ontario Reign
- Condors Announce Training Camp Schedule - Bakersfield Condors
- Wranglers Bring Back Collins - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Aces Bolster Blue Line with Two Signings - Alaska Aces
- ECHL Concludes Board of Governors Pre-Season Meeting - ECHL
- Gladiators Individual Game Tickets Go on Sale Monday - Atlanta Gladiators
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