Aces Sign Amateur Forward Andy Taranto
March 29, 2013 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
The Alaska Aces have signed amateur forward Andy Taranto (pronounced Tuh-RON-toe) out of the University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Aces Head Coach Rob Murray announced on Friday. Taranto has joined the Aces on the road and will make his pro debut this weekend in Ontario. The Aces finish the regular season on Friday and Saturday against the Reign, and will return back home for Games 1 & 2 of the opening round of the 2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 against the San Francisco Bulls. Tickets are now on sale at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
Taranto, 24, just completed a four-year collegiate career at UAF. He combined for 120 points (59g, 61a) in 146 games for the Nanooks, while adding 210 penalty minutes. He scored at least 12 goals and registered at least 22 points during all four seasons, and finished as one of the top two scorers in three of his four seasons. He opened his collegiate career with a magnificent freshman campaign. He finished second on the Nanooks in scoring, notching 42 points (18g, 24a) in 39 games. He was named CCHA Rookie of the Year. This season, as a senior, the 6'0", 205 lbs. Taranto was named to the CCHA's Second All-Star Team thanks to a UAF-leading 30 point (16g, 14a) campaign in 37 games. He registered points in 15 of his final 19 games this season, including a season high three points (2g, 1a) on Mar. 2nd at Sullivan Arena to give the Nanooks their fourth straight Governor's Cup Title over UAA. Prior to playing collegiately, the native of Downers Grove, Illinois played four seasons of junior hockey in the USHL.
The addition of Taranto now give the Aces six players on their roster who were either born or played college hockey in Alaska (including defenseman William Wrenn, who remains on loan to the American Hockey League).
In a related roster move, earlier this week the Aces released rookie forward Jarred Smith. Smith appeared in 42 games for the Aces this season, totaling 12 points (4g, 8a) and 22 penalty minutes.
The Aces finish the regular season on Friday and Saturday against the Reign, and will return back home for Games 1 & 2 of the opening round of the 2013 Kelly Cup Playoffs on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6 against the San Francisco Bulls. Tickets are now on sale at the Aces office, Sullivan Arena Box Office, Fred Meyer locations or online at www.ticketmaster.com. All Aces games can be heard on NewsTalk 103.7FM and 750AM KFQD. For more information, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.
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