Aces: Galbraith Will Return

The ECHL's Alaska Aces added considerable sandpaper to their toolbox today, when they announced veteran winger Lance Galbraith will return for a second season with the club.

Galbraith, 29, is equal parts goal scorer and pest. His 18 goals in 46 regular-season games last season worked out to a 28-goal campaign had he been with the club all season -- he came over from the Central Hockey League. He also enhanced his already stout reputation as a playoff performer with 10 postseason goals, which tied for the team lead. Oh, and racked 143 regular-season penalty minutes and nine fighting majors -- yeah, he sorta gets under people's skin.

Galbraith is a pro's pro -- always shows up, raises his game in the playoffs, sticks up for teammates and, as he showed several times last season when the Aces showed a propensity for sleep-walking through the first period, is always willing to drop the gloves to spark his club.

Plus, he's a winner. Helped the Aces to the Kelly Cup Finals last season and won two Cups with Idaho. His return means he'll continue to hang with captain Scott Burt, his buddy with whom he won those Cups with the Steelheads. Burt already re-upped with the club.