Aces Bring Back Another Trio of Players
Published on September 8, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
The 2011 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces have re-signed forwards Garry Nunn and Zach Harrison, along with defenseman, Kane Lafranchise, Aces Head Coach, Rob Murray announced on Thursday. All three players return from a year ago, lifting the total number of signed returners to 12. The Aces will begin the defense of the Kelly Cup Championship with a pair of pre-season games against the Colorado Eagles on October 4 & 5 at Sullivan Arena, promoting cancer awareness. For more information on all Aces related news, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
At only 21 years old, Nunn was one of the Aces youngest players last season. However, he also was one of the longest tenured. Despite not joining the Aces until the tail end of the 2009-2010 season as an amateur, Nunn enters this season as the second-longest tenured Aces player, behind only Bryan Miller. Nunn was one of just three players from the close of the 2010 season to begin last year with Alaska. The speedy, 5'9", 175 lbs. forward had 32 points (11g, 21a) in his first full professional season. A Victoria, BC native, Nunn finished tied for second in assists, and tied for fourth in points among Aces rookies. He was one of just two players to appear in every regular season game for the Aces, however had his playoff run cut short with only four games played due to injury. In his pro debut with the Aces, Nunn had a goal and three assists in 10 games, and added three assists in four playoff games in 2010. Prior to turning pro, he played his junior hockey in the WHL.
Harrison, 22, re-joins the Aces after spending his rookie season in Alaska. The Flint, MI native was acquired by the Aces in the second week of the season. Harrison posted 15 points (5g, 10a) in 41 games before having his season end prematurely on February 4 in Victoria. Harrison went awkwardly into the boards feet first, and broke his leg, ending his rookie season, and threatening his playing future. Following a long rehabilitation, Harrison will resume his playing career in training camp with the Aces later this month, almost eight months after the injury. Before turning pro, the 5'11", 180 lbs. forward was a four-year member of the University of Minnesota-Mankato. In his time there, Harrison had 70 points (26g, 44a) in 152 games. As a senior, Harrison finished the season with career highs of 16 assists and 24 points, and finished the year just two points off the team lead.
Lafranchise, 23, joined the Aces in early February for his pro debut, and remained in Alaska for the rest of the season. Originally from Edmonton, Alberta, Lafranchise played three seasons for the University of Alaska - Anchorage from 2007-2010. The 6'1", 195lbs. defenseman had five assists in 22 games for the Aces, spotting into a very deep defensive corps. In his Seawolves career, the blue liner posted 33 points (9g, 24a) in 97 career games. Lafranchise's first full pro season comes this season, and he will officially be classified as an ECHL rookie. Rookies are defined as players who have played fewer than 25 professional games prior to the start of the season. The Aces currently have 12 players under contract for the 2011-2012 season - seven forward, four defensemen, and one goaltender.
The 2011 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces will begin the 2011-2012 regular season on Friday, October 14 at Sullivan Arena when they host the Las Vegas Wranglers. 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.
2011-2012 Alaska Aces
Gerald Coleman, G
Ethan Cox, F
Wes Goldie, F
Zach Harrison, F
Scott Howes, F
Dan Kissel, F
Kane Lafranchise, D
Garry Nunn, F
Brian Swanson, F
Bryan Miller, D
Russ Sinkewich, D
Steve Ward, D
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