Physicality Returns To Aces With Valcourt And Levesque Signings
Published on August 10, 2016 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA - The Alaska Aces, proud affiliates of the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and AHL's Utica Comets, have signed forward Collin Valcourt and defenseman Marc-Andre Levesque to contracts for the 2016-17 season.
Head Coach and President of Hockey Operations Rob Murray made the announcement Wednesday.
The 23 year old Valcourt joined the Aces last season after playing 11 games for Quad City. He brought a physical presence to the club that made him difficult to deal with in front of the net, not to mention the corners. The 6-2, 215 pound winger, a native of Prince George, BC, Canada, played in 37 games for the Glacier Blue in 2015-16, scoring 10 goals with 16 assists for 26 points. Valcourt certainly wasn't afraid to mix it up, amassing 121 penalty minutes.
It's that physicality that prompted Murray to bring back the sturdy forward.
"When Collin brings his physical game, that's when he's at his best," said Murray. "Consistency will be the key for him, and if he can do that, he's an AHL caliber player."
Certainly sad to see the end of last season was Levesque, who got better with each game he played. He displayed an ability to get tough when toughness was needed on the blueline. He might have been new to the league, but he adjusted well to the professional game after arriving from St. Thomas University in Canada. The 6-2, 220 pounder played in 22 games for Alaska, scoring 3 goals with 3 assists for 6 points. The Longueuil, Quebec, Canada native has a bright future according to Murray.
"Marc-Andre's major junior and college years provided a good base, and with his taste of the ECHL last season he realized improved conditioning could take him to the next level," said Murray. "His smart, physical play was a real asset, and we're excited to have him back."
Valcourt and Levesque join forwards Ben Lake, Kenny Babinski, Charlie Sampair and Peter Sivak and defensemen Ryan Trenz, Brandon Martell and Nick Cecere and goaltenders Jacob DeSerres and Lukas Hafner as announced signings by the Aces for the 2016-17 season.
ECHL Stories from August 10, 2016
- Stingrays Re-Sign Clutch Scorer Joe Devin - South Carolina Stingrays
- Jackals Sign a Trio of Forwards - Elmira Jackals
- Cyclones Add Wealth Of Experience To Roster - Cincinnati Cyclones
- Nailers Sign Josh Shalla - Wheeling Nailers
- Physicality Returns To Aces With Valcourt And Levesque Signings - Alaska Aces
- Mavericks Roster Grows By Three - Kansas City Mavericks
- Nailers Give Fans The Chance To Select All-25th Season Team - Wheeling Nailers
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