Not that this comes as a surprise because Alaska Aces defenseman Matt Shasby of Eagle River had said this past season was likely his last as a pro, but Shasby confirmed today he's done.

In typical Shasby fashion -- ever glib -- he said he wouldn't call it a retirement because no one really retires from minor league hockey because there's really no paperwork to complete: "I don't believe you can retire from minor pro hockey -- you just kind of do something else.''

Shasby, who played the final four campaigns of his six-season pro career for the Aces, also played four years at UAA. He already has a history degree from UAA and is working toward acquiring his teaching certificate and getting into his second career.

Shasby was a two-time second-team All-ECHL selection and helped the Aces seize the Kelly Cup in 2006. His final game came in the club's Game 7 loss to South Carolina in the Kelly Cup Finals earlier this month.

"That last game was pretty emotional all day, telling myself, 'This is the last time I'll put on my gear competitively,' '' Shasby said.

Shasby said he had a running joke with fellow defenseman Bryan Miller about how good hockey players have it.

"Not too many jobs can you change out of your street clothes into underwear, sit around joking with 20 guys, and then you go to work,'' Shasby said.

Shasby said he informed Aces coach Keith McCambridge of his decision in their postseason meeting.

"He goes, 'Is this it?' '' recalled Shasby. "I go, 'Yeah, I think so.' We thanked each other.''

McCambridge said the club loses a leader, an elite defenseman and a cornerstone of the franchise.

"We lose a guy, most importantly, who realizes the importance of hockey in Alaska,'' McCambridge said. "Second, we lose an offensively gifted defenseman, one of the two or three best in the league -- that's a big void to fill on the back end. Third, we lose a good man, a good father and a good person.''

Here's wishing the best of luck to Shasby, who has always treated me well -- and from a selfish perspective, damn, I'll miss his funny quotes. He was a blast to watch -- Shasby is the definition of a smooth skater -- and just as much fun to talk with. He always made himself available in good times and bad.

Now it's transition time for Shasby, his wife Brooke and their kids Camden (5 in December) and Brynn (2 in August) -- best of luck to the whole family. Shasby said he intends to do some coaching, starting with the youngest players.

"I'll get my hockey fix that way,'' Shasby said. "I'll live vicariously through my son.''

Look for more on Shasby in Friday's dead-trees edition of the ADN.