Two More Defensemen Return to Aces

Published on September 22, 2011 under ECHL (ECHL)
Alaska Aces News Release


The 2011 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces have re-signed defensemen Brandon Gentile (jen-TEE-lee) and Alex Dzielski (JELL-skee), Aces Head Coach, Rob Murray announced on Thursday. The addition gives the Aces 18 players contracted for the upcoming season, including 16 returners from last year's championship squad. Aces training camp opens on Friday, September 30 and the Aces will begin the defense of the Kelly Cup Championship with a pair of pre-season games against the Colorado Eagles on October 4 & 5 at Sullivan Arena, promoting cancer awareness. For more information on all Aces related news, please contact the Aces office at 907.258.ACES, or visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.

Gentile, 24, returns to the Aces for his third pro season and second in Alaska. He appeared in 40 regular season games last year, missing a lengthy stretch during the middle of the year with an injury. The 6'0", 196 lbs. defenseman was a physical presence for Alaska as one of the team's biggest hitters. Gentile had 8 points (2g, 6a) in the regular season, and appeared in 11 more post-season games. Prior to coming to Alaska, the Clarkston, MI native played for the Flint Generals of the IHL, where he led all Generals defensemen in scoring. Gentile has made a habit of being a part of championship teams in his playing career. He captured his first professional championship with the Aces last season, and has reached the finals in both seasons as a pro. Before turning pro, Gentile won an NCAA National Championship in 2008 with Michigan State University. He was also a member of the 2005 USA U-18 IIHF World Championship team.

Dzielski, 22, returns to the Aces after his rookie season last year. The 6'2", 226 lbs. Dzielski provided toughness to the Alaska roster, leading the Aces with 123 penalty minutes. Despite appearing in just 44 games, he paced all ECHL rookies with 15 majors and finished fourth in overall PIM among first-year players. He finished last season with 7 points (4g, 3a) playing primarily as a defenseman, but taking sporadic shifts at forward. Dzielski played three seasons of junior hockey in the OHL before coming to Alaska. In 2009-2010 Dzielski played in 67 games for the Oshawa Generals, posting career highs in games, assists, points. In 2008, while playing with the Kitchener Rangers, his club captured the OHL Championship, and went on to the Finals of the Memorial Cup. The Pittsford, NY native appeared in six pro games for the Elmira Jackals after his final season of junior hockey. Last season he attended training camp with the Peoria Rivermen of the AHL.

The Aces are just eight days away from the opening of 2011 ECHL Training Camp, and less than two weeks away from their pre-season games against the Colorado Eagles.

The 2011 Kelly Cup Champion Alaska Aces will begin the 2011-2012 regular season on Friday, October 14 at Sullivan Arena when they host the Las Vegas Wranglers. 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.

2011-2012 Alaska Aces

Chad Anderson, D

Chris Bruton, F

Gerald Coleman, G

Ethan Cox, F

Alex Dzielski, D

Brandon Gentile, D

Wes Goldie, F

Zach Harrison, F

Scott Howes, F

Dan Kissel, F

Kane Lafranchise, D

Chris Langkow, F

Bryan Miller, D

Garry Nunn, F

Patrick Schafer, F

Brian Swanson, F

Russ Sinkewich, D

Steve Ward, D

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