MacSwain returns to Aces

Published on September 30, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


Anchorage, Alaska – The Anchorage Aces have hired former standout Steve MacSwain as director of player development for the 2002-03 season. MacSwain will join head coach Rod Davidson immediately as the Aces prepare for the regular season opener Friday, October 11th in Boise at 5:00 p.m. AST against the Idaho Steelheads.

"I'm delighted to have the help, especially since this will be my first year in the league," said Davidson. "I've had the opportunity to meet Steve and he'll be a big help in our efforts to keep some of the great players in Anchorage at the start of their pro career."

MacSwain played parts of five seasons with the Aces between 1995-2000. Born and raised in Anchorage, he will be responsible for maintaining a steady flow of local talent to the Aces.

"Steve has probably forgotten the names of more people in hockey than I currently know," said Anchorage general manager Derek Donald. "His ties to the European pro game, college hockey, USA hockey and our community will be invaluable recruiting-wise, especially since the Aces will be in the East Coast Hockey League next year."

MacSwain originally was selected in the 1986 supplemental draft by the Calgary Flames in the midst of an outstanding collegiate career at the University of Minnesota, where he scored 57 goals in his final two years with the Golden Gophers. He enjoyed a productive year with Salt Lake in the IHL in 1988 before spending several seasons playing in Europe. MacSwain returned home to Alaska in 1995 and averaged nearly a point per game with the Aces, finally retiring in 2000 after scoring a hat trick against Colorado at the age of 34. Over the last two years, Steve has been active in scouting the Western Hockey League and in running "Acceleration Alaska," an elite training center for local youth and pro athletes competing in hockey, football, and soccer.

"I'm excited to be involved with the team again," said MacSwain. "One of the toughest things about retiring was not being a part of a team and an organization. It's great to be back, and along with Rod, I'm really excited about the club's future." The Aces trimmed their training camp roster from 46 players to 32 on Sunday.

Davidson expects to pare the roster down further by the first intrasquad scrimmage, scheduled for Friday night, October 4th, at 8:00 p.m. at Tesoro Sports Centre. According to Davidson, new #1 goaltender Christian Soucy has looked especially sharp, stopping Yvan Corbin, Sean Rowe, and Dean Larson on point blank scoring chances during the Sunday morning practice. The Aces will continue practicing Tuesday through Friday at Tesoro from 10:00 a.m.-noon before the intrasquad game on Friday night. Admission for all practices and the scrimmage at Tesoro is free of charge and open to the public.

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