Alaska Connections In NHL Prospects Tournament

At least five Alaska-connected cats are currently playing in Michigan at the 12th annual Traverse City Prospects Tournament, where eight NHL teams are represented.

Former UAF goaltender Chad Johnson made 28 saves Monday and former UAA center Paul Crowder was +2 in the New York Rangers' 4-1 win over Atlanta. Defensemen T.J. Fast and Ryan Turek, both of whom played for the Alaska Aces last season and helped them make their run to the ECHL Kelly Cup Finals, are with St. Louis at the tournament. Fast has two goals in two games and is +3, and Turek is +1.

Also, former Notre Dame goalie Jordan Pearce of Anchorage is with Detroit -- he stopped 15 shots in a 5-3 loss to Carolina on Monday.

Today was a practice day at the tournament. Games continue Wednesday and conclude Thursday. Aces coach Brent Thompson and assistant coach/captain Scott Burt are in Michigan scouting prospects -- remember, St. Louis is the Aces' affiliate, along with Peoria of the American Hockey League.