Aces: Peluso Follows Fast To Peoria

Rookie forward Anthony Peluso has been recalled to the Peoria Rivermen of the American Hockey League from the ECHL Alaska Aces, making two departures in two days -- defenseman T.J. Fast was summoned to the AHL team Friday.

We always knew Peluso was only going to be here a couple weeks -- he was sent down when the St. Louis Blues sent enforcer and former Ace D.J. King to Peoria for two weeks of conditioning following an injury. Peluso's stay was the Aces was trickle-down from that move. It didn't help matters from the Aces' perspective that the Rivermen are apparently getting hit by the flu and former Aces center Julian Talbot has concussion symptoms and appears questionable for Peoria's game tonight against visiting Rockford.

In any event, by my count, that leaves the Aces with nine forwards -- teams generall dress 10 forwards -- for tonight's series finale in Las Vegas. The Aces split the first two games, winning 5-2 Thursday for their fourth straight win to open the season, but losing 4-3 Friday.

(UPDATE: Just talked to Aces spokesman Jack Michaels and he confirmed Peluso left Vegas very early this morning to fly to Peoria, and that the Aces tonight will dress 9 forwards and 6 defensemen).

The Aces have five other forwards on the 21-day injured reserve.