The Latest On Later

Scrounging around the series of tubes for info on Alaska-connected players, I came across the signing of former Alaska Aces defenseman Steven Later, who is headed to his fourth minor league in five pro seasons.

Later, who played for the Aces in 2006-07, has signed with the Corpus Christi Ice Rays of the Central Hockey League. His teammates will include former Aces goaltender Kris Tebbs and former UAF forward Adam Powell.

Last season for the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the International Hockey League, Later earned 6-23--29 totals and a +7 rating in 59 games and led the league with 296 penalty minutes (the next closest guy had 245 PIMs). His 14 fighting majors tied for seventh on the circuit.

Hockey sure is a small world. In Muskegon, Later's teammates included former Aces goaltender Isaac Reichmuth, forward Billy Bagron of Anchorage and former UAA winger Shea Hamilton.

Later has played in the AHL, ECHL and IHL, and now adds the CHL to the mix.