Kane Lafranchise Returns to Aces Blue Line
Published on August 15, 2013 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
The Alaska Aces have re-signed defenseman Kane Lafranchise for the 2013-2014 season, Aces Head Coach Rob Murray announced on Thursday. Lafranchise returns to the Aces for his fourth season with the club, having spent his entire ECHL career in Alaska. The Alaska Aces will begin the 2013-2014 season at home on Friday, October 18 at Sullivan Arena when they host the San Francisco Bulls. 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.
Lafranchise, 25, has spent the majority of his career with the Aces, suiting up in 143 regular season games and 21 playoff games. Last year he spent 10 games in the AHL, earning back-to-back call-ups with the Oklahoma City Barons and Houston Aeros. Last year Lafranchise led all Aces defensemen in scoring with 33 points (5g, 28a) in just 52 games. He added 6 assists in 11 playoff games. His 28 assists tied for third on the team, and he finished tied for 15th in ECHL defenseman scoring. The Edmonton, Alberta native's play since turning pro has attracted much attention at the next level. He opened training camp last season in the AHL with the Lake Erie Monsters, lifting his total to three different AHL clubs he appeared with, in 2012-2013. Murray said the recognition Lafranchise has received has been well-deserved.
"Kane has developed into one of the premier defensemen in the ECHL. He can run a power play, kill penalties, and log a lot of minutes. When you look at building a well-rounded defensive unit, he's a guy you can use as a centerpiece to build around.
"A solid blue line is the key to any good team," Murray added. "Getting Lafranchise and (Sean) Curry back are huge steps to once again making sure Alaska has one of the top defenses in the league."
Lafranchise joined the Aces in February 2011, appearing in 22 games and remaining with the team through their Kelly Cup Championship run. In 2011-2012 - his first complete professional season - Lafranchise was a breakout star. He finished second among Alaska defenseman in scoring with 34 points (3g, 31a), and finished 14th overall among ECHL defensemen. He ended the year ninth in assists by a defenseman. He added 5 points (g, 4a) in 10 playoff games. Lafranchise led the Aces in plus-minus during the regular season, and finished second among ECHL blue liners with a +20 rating. Overall Lafranchise has played in 153 career games and registered 72 points (8g ,64a).
Prior to turning pro, Lafranchise played three seasons for the University of Alaska - Anchorage from 2007-2010. In his Seawolves career, the blue liner posted 33 points (9g, 24a) in 97 career games. Lafranchise, whose full name is Kane Roch Lafranchise (Roch pronounced as "Rock") was also recognized by The Hockey News as the winner of the worldwide hockey "Name of the Year" tournament for 2012.
Lafranchise becomes the third Aces player under contract for the upcoming season, joining defenseman Sean Curry and forward Jordan Kremyr.
ECHL Stories from August 15, 2013
- Kane Lafranchise Returns to Aces Blue Line - Alaska Aces
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- Eagles Bring Back Jason Beatty for Seventh Season - Colorado Eagles
- Condors make big splash with Cunningham and Broda - Bakersfield Condors
- Join the 2013-14 SF Bulls Cow Belles - San Francisco Bulls
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