Woke up this morning, turned on the computer and discovered an interesting piece of news -- looks like Alaska Aces leading scorer Dan Kissel, signed for the upcoming season, is instead headed to Europe.

According to eliteprospects.com, Kissel has signed to play for the Stavanger Oilers in Norway.

His departure would deprive the Aces of their leading scorer from last season -- he finished tied for second in the ECHL in goals with 35-33--68 totals in 70 games -- and the guy they expected to be a first-line winger and power-play force in the upcoming season.

Kissel likely has cut a better dollar deal abroad.

The Aces still own his ECHL rights -- he is under contract -- and perhaps we have not seen the last of him. Guys sometimes don't find Europe or their situations there to their liking.

Stay tuned.