Aces Sign Scott Gomez

[chilly666]

The Alaska Aces have signed NHL star forward Scott Gomez to a standard player contract, Head Coach Rob Murray announced on Wednesday. Gomez attended training camp this season with the Aces, but has not played in the regular season. He will make his season debut next week when the Aces return home to host the Colorado Eagles on November 14, 16, and 17.

Gomez, 32, is a veteran of more than 900 NHL games, and regarded as the most decorated hockey player from Alaska. The Anchorage-born Gomez has 686 career NHL points (169g, 517a) and won Stanley Cups in 2000 and 2003 with the New Jersey Devils. In 2000 he won the NHL’s Calder Trophy, presented to the Rookie of the Year. A current member of the Montreal Canadiens, this will be Gomez’s second season with the Aces. During the last NHL lockout in the 2004-2005 season, the 5’11”, 200 lbs. center returned home to suit up for the Aces. Gomez was outstanding with Alaska, leading the league in scoring with 86 points (13g, 73a) in 61 games. He guided the Aces to a division championship and was voted the ECHL’s Most Valuable Player. Gomez was twice names the Alaska High School Player of the Year, and as a sophomore, won a state championship with East. The year after he left the Aces, Gomez had a career-best season with the New Jersey Devils, tallying 84 points (33g, 51a) in 82 games. Gomez is a two-time NHL All-Star and member of Team USA in the World Cup and the 2006 Olympic Games.

Gomez joins fellow NHL forwards and Anchorage products, Brandon Dubinsky, Nate Thompson, and Joey Crabb on the Aces roster this season. In a separate transaction, Gomez was placed on reserve on Wednesday. He is expected to remain inactive until next week when he will make his season debut.

[Anthony19]

I wonder how they are gonna work this out. Nate Thompson, Joey Crabb, Brandon Dubinsky, Alexandre Imbeault, and Sean Curry are all considered Veterans.

With the addition of Gomez thats 6. I guess there is gonna be a rotation?

[chilly666]

imbeault isn't a vet...but steve ward and matt robinson are, so that gives them 7 actually. ward is also out a while with a broken ankle.

the reserve list is gonna have one vet on it at all times. it's the same crap colorado did last season by having one vet on injured reserve at all times.

[Anthony19]

I have Imbeault at 277 before season. Anyways, thats crazy! I don't see how thats good for their team. I feel like it would be hard for players to get going if they are rotated all the time.

[chilly666]

not all leagues count...

22 - AHL
4 - Czech
221 - ECHL

247 - Total

[Anthony19]

I didn't know the LNAH didn't count!!

[chilly666]

it's not considered pro hockey by the echl or chl for sure...the ahl might not even count it either.

[HordiBrusk29]

Finally a situation where Gomez may be somewhat useful.