The Alaska Aces’ initial announcements of signings for the upcoming season have focused on some of their biggest contributors from last season, and that trend continued today when the ECHL club announced forward Nick Mazzolini of Anchorage will return.

Mazzolini, 27, last season finished third among Aces in goals and points, and first in assists, with 21-35—56 totals in 69 games. His plus-16 rating was second on the team and tops among forwards.

Mazzolini can play either center or wing, and he’s one of those guys who seems to play well no matter which position he’s slotted into or what linemates he skates with.

He’s entering his fourth pro season, and third with the Aces. In his rookie season of 2009-10, he led the Aces in scoring with 27-37—64 totals in 63 games. So he’s basically a point per game guy – in 132 career regular-season games with the Aces, he has racked 48-72—120 totals. (Mazzolini played his second pro season in Italy).

So, as far as players announced for the 2012-13 season, the Aces have three returners --Mazzolini, goaltender Gerald Coleman and winger Dan Kissel, last season’s leading scorer.

Look for more on Mazzolini’s return in Thursday’s dead-trees edition of the ADN.