Alaska Aces winger Brett Hemingway wasn't on the ice at practice today, and coach Brent Thompson said the ECHL club is seeking to trade the third-year pro.

"We're working to trade him to somewhere he can play,'' Thompson said . "He's been a good player, and good for the organization, and we want to find him a place to play.''

Hemingway has played in half the Aces' games this season -- six of 12 -- and registered one assist. Last season, he earned 10-32--42 totals and a +4 rating in 58 games, and after coming to Alaska in a trade his rookie season bagged 11-15--26 and +6 totals in 25 games.

He's a victim of numbers. The Aces currently have 15 forwards, which is two or three more than they need considering ECHL clubs dress 10 forwards and usually keep 12, 13 max.

Two injured forwards -- Jason Ryznar and Justin Johnson (both broken hands) -- will likely come off the injured reserve list in a week or two. Former NHLer Eric Boguniecki was scheduled to arrive in Anchorage with his family today, Thompson said, though he likely won't play in this weekend's series against visiting Bakersfield. Boguniecki needs to get in game shape, which is principally why he's on the IR.

In any event, Brett Hemingway likely isn't the last Aces forward to be traded or released in the coming weeks. And remember, John Lammers, the Aces' best forward before a call-up to AHL Manitoba, would instantly be back in the lineup if he's sent back to the Aces.