Aces Free 'Willy,' Jettison Wrobel and Marostega

January 8, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


ANCHORAGE, Alaska – In the aftermath of one of the most stunning setbacks in club history, the Anchorage Aces have signed winger Paul Williams to a deal for the remainder of the 2002-03 season while sending J.J. Wrobel and Mike Marostega to the Bakersfield Condors in exchange for rookie swingman Peter McRae.

Williams broke his wrist in training camp and will be making his 2003 debut tonight against Fresno after mustering 19 goals and 30 assists in 60 games over the course of an injury-plagued 2001-02 campaign. Perhaps his best pro campaign came the year before, when he rolled up 40 goals and 46 assists and was named to the WCHL all-star team. Williams will be embarking on his 12th consecutive season of playing hockey in Anchorage, eight with the Aces and four at the University of Alaska-Anchorage between 1991-95. With 491 points, he ranks fourth on the all-time WCHL scoring list and places second all-time in goals, 18 behind teammate Dean Larson with 230. The 32-year-old Williams, who was born, raised, and still lives in Anchorage, also rates among the top five in assists (261) and games played (438).

While Williams fills the final veteran spot for the Aces, McRae arrives as a rookie, having appeared in 20 games for the Bakersfield Condors earlier this year, where he registered two assists and 20 minutes in penalties. The 6-2, 210-pound Ontario native can play either forward or defense and will turn 25 in June. McRae played four seasons at Sacred Heart University in the MAAC at the NCAA Division III level. He captained the Pioneers in both his junior and senior campaigns after scoring 14 goals as a freshman, the second-highest single season total in school history.

Wrobel scored 27 goals last year for the Aces but had just four in 25 games this season to go along with 10 assists and a –20 rating. Marostega had one goal and 10 assists with a –15 rating in 32 games this year after joining the club midway through last season.

"We owe it to our fans to shake things up and start moving this team in the right direction," said head coach Rod Davidson.

The Aces (10-21-2) finish up their homestand tonight at 7:00 pm. in a rematch with the Falcons, who rallied from a 5-1 deficit to pull out an amazing 7-6 verdict in a shootout last night. All games are broadcast live on KFQD 750 AM and at www.anchorageaces.com or www.kfqd.com, with Jack Michaels calling the play-by-play. Coverage begins 20 minutes prior to the opening face-off, presented by GCI.



ECHL Stories from January 8, 2003


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