Summer Signings For Pros

Getting back in the groove here, so let’s go over some summer signings that went down while I was away.

Winger Tim Wallace of Anchorage, who made his NHL debut last season with Pittsburgh, signed a two-year deal with the Penguins.

Center Nate Thompson of Anchorage re-upped for another season with the New York Islanders.

Former Alaska Aces goaltender Jean-Philippe Lamoureux, who backstopped the club to the Kelly Cup Finals and was the ECHL’s Goaltender of the Year, signed a one-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres. He’ll likely start the season with Portland of the American Hockey League – good for him, he has nothing left to prove at the ECHL level.

Speaking of former Aces, sniper Chris Minard signed with the Edmonton Oilers after playing some for the Penguins the last two seasons. High-scoring center/wing Josh Soares is headed across the pond to play for the Kassel Huskies in the German Elite League. Former defenseman Zack FitzGerald signed with Carolina, leaving the Vancouver system. Joe Talbot will return for a third season with the Sheffield Steelers in England – he helped them win a championship last season. Another couple of former Aces re-upped with their ECHL clubs – center Olivier Filion will be back with Victoria and defenseman Peter Metcalf will be back with Florida.

Defenseman Nathan Schwartzbauer of Wasilla, a rookie with ECHL Dayton last season, signed with ECHL Wheeling.

And former UAF defenseman Steve Vanoosten is headed to ECHL Stockton.