Aces - PR

NEW LOOK ACES GEAR UP FOR PRESEASON
By Eileen Forward, Chepstow Times

Following a busy off-season, the Aces began filtering back into Chepstow today to begin their training camp. The many new faces will meet each other for the first time today at a BBQ scheduled this afternoon at the estate of Aces GM and owner, Dave Walter.

"After going out in 5 games to the Spirit in round one of last year's
play-offs, we knew we were going to have to make some changes." said GM Walter in an exclusive interview with the Times. "Last year we were blessed with an incredibly talented but young team. That youth hurt is in the play-offs, and we knew we needed to add some leadership to this club to help our young guns succeed."

Gone from the Aces are veterans Paul Kariya, Zigmund Palfy, Yanic Pereault, Pierre Turgeon, and goalie Jocelyn Thibault. Joining the team in leadership roles are veterans Owen Nolan, Saku Koivu, Jeremy Roenick, Jason Allison, Derian Hatcher and Patrice Brisbois.

Walter commented that he hated to turn over so many veteran players, but free
agency made Palfy, Pereault and Turgeon too expensive considering the young players waiting to fill their skates, and the salary of Kariya was restricting the Aces' ability to fill holes and remain under the salary cap. It was also time for goalie Jocelyn Thibault to move on with rookie phenom Barry Brust waiting in the wings to claim the #1 net minder spot.

Expected to be announced at this afternoon's BBQ is that Owen Nolan will become the new captain, and that Saku Koivu and Jeremy Roenick will have the 'A' sewn to their jerseys.

Optimism abounds in Chepstow going into pre-season play. Fans of the TFHL will be hard pressed to find a more exciting line than the one of Tim Brent, Ilya Kovolchuk and Jason Allison, backed by sniper defensemen Aaron Rome and the intensity of Braydon Coburn patroling the blue line. Look for the Aces to be a serious force in the East this season.

Season tickets available at 888-444-ACES.