Defense bolstered by two holdovers
September 13, 2005 - ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Alaska Aces have signed defensemen Ryan Gaucher and Louis Mass to one-year contracts for the 2005-06 season.
Gaucher becomes the third "veteran" signed by the Aces for this season, joining fellow defenseman Keith McCambridge and forward Kimbi Daniels and leaving Alaska room on its roster for one more player that has appeared in more than 260 professional games. The 27-year-old Gaucher was acquired by the Aces March 22 in a trade that sent forward Jordan Cameron and future considerations to Las Vegas. The future considerations turned out to be winger Charles Linglet, who ironically will attend the training camp of Alaska's American Hockey League affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
The offensively gifted Gaucher handed out four assists in his second regular season game for the Aces and scored three goals during Alaska's run to the National Conference Finals. He lives in his hometown of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (where he also played in the Western Hockey League for the Blades) during the off-season, but the 5-11, 210-pounder thoroughly enjoyed his brief stay in Alaska and was eager to return. Gaucher earned a trip to the 2003 ECHL All-Star Game and first-team all-ECHL recognition while leading Cincinnati to within a game of the Kelly Cup Finals. Last year marked the third time he has placed among the top seven ECHL defensemen in points, finishing with 44 (13g-31a) in only 59 games.
The 6-3, 220-pound Mass established new career-highs in points (15) and assists (14) last year while posting a +13 rating, second only to Ryan Moren among Alaska defensemen. He also scored his first playoff goal, a shorthanded tally in Game One of the conference finals. Mass, who will turn 29 next month, attended Dimond High School in his hometown of Anchorage and played his college hockey at Bowling Green.
Alaska and San Diego meet in the 2005-06 regular season opener Friday, October 21, at 7:15 p.m., the first game of a three-game series that continues Saturday afternoon at 2:05 p.m. and Monday night, October 24. Dayton will visit Anchorage for two pre-season games Wednesday, October 12 at 7:15 p.m. and Thursday, October 13 at 7:00 p.m. The Aces, now entering their 11th season as a professional hockey club, are proud affiliates of the St. Louis Blues (NHL). For 2005-06 season ticket information, please call 258-ACES.
ECHL Stories from September 13, 2005
- Wranglers trade Martz to Stockton for All Star Edwardson - Las Vegas Wranglers
- Roadrunners land Pecker, Gaustad - Phoenix RoadRunners
- Yeats back between the pipes - Idaho Steelheads
- Coaches attend American Red Cross dinner - Bakersfield Condors
- Preseason Celebrity Golf Tournament Announced - San Diego Gulls
- Defense bolstered by two holdovers - Alaska Aces
- Chiefs Sign Pittsburgh Native - Johnstown Chiefs
- Individual Ticket On Sale Dates Announced - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Press Conference Set for This Thursday, September 15 - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Stingrays sign pair of rookies - South Carolina Stingrays
- Balan joins Bakersfield after career-best season in Greenville - Bakersfield Condors
- Ice Pilots announced the on sale dates for tickets - Pensacola Ice Pilots
- Stingrays improve team with roster moves - South Carolina Stingrays
- Everblades ink defenseman Curry to contract - Florida Everblades
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