Aces, Storm hook up in pre-season
Published on August 7, 2006 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Aces will play host to the Eastern Conference finalists from Toledo in a pair of pre-season games Tuesday, October 10, and Wednesday, October 11, at 7:15 p.m. in Anchorage.
The Storm finished 46-21-5 last year to capture the North Division title, then eliminated Johnstown and Wheeling before falling in five games to Gwinnett in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Gladiators, in turn, were beaten in five by the Aces (53-12-7 during the regular season, the second-best record in ECHL history) for the Kelly Cup. Toledo head coach Nick Vitucci, a onetime teammate of Alaska bench boss Davis Payne, was named ECHL Coach of the Year in 2005 after a 41-26-5 season that put the Storm back in the playoffs.
Alaska and Toledo have met once before, with the Aces taking a 6-2 decision in Ohio on February 23, 2005, behind two goals each from Chris Minard, Joe Talbot, and Chris Heisten. The Aces boast a 5-1 record in pre-season play under Payne, including two-game sweeps of Dayton and Greenville in 2005 and 2004, respectively.
"Having played and coached with Nick in Greenville, I know he'll have his team ready for another run at a championship," said Payne. "It'll be a good early test to see what strides our club must make before we drop the puck for real."
Alaska opens defense of its ECHL championship Friday, October 20, at 7:15 p.m. against the Victoria Salmon Kings. 2006-07 Aces season tickets are now on sale; for more information on tickets, sponsorships, and off-season signings, please visit www.alaskaaces.com or call 258-ACES.
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