Utica Comets Reassign Cody Kunyk to the Alaska Aces 

October 20, 2016

Utica Comets Director of Hockey Operations Pat Conacher has announced that the club has reassigned forward Cody Kunyk to the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.

Kunyk, 26, finished the 2015-16 season second on his team in goals (13) and points (29) with the Gentofte Stars of the Meta Ligaen (Denmark).

Prior to playing overseas, Kunyk spent his rookie season with the Syracuse Crunch. He collected 26 points (10-16-26), and 38 penalty minutes in 69 games.

He made his pro hockey and NHL debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning on April 13, 2014 and logged 10:12 minutes of ice time.

Prior to turning pro, Kunyk played four seasons with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. He was just the 30th player in the NCAA Division I program’s history to generate 100 or more career points. He ranks among the Top-15 scorers in Nanooks history with 60 goals, 73 assists, and 133 points in 148 games.

During the 2013-14 season, his senior season, he led the Nanooks in goals (22), points (43), power-play goals (6), and short-handed goals (22). His 34 league points that seasons landed him the WCHA scoring leader honors, en route to being named the WCHA Player of the Year.

The 5’11”, 200-pound native of Sherwood Park, Alberta skated with the AJHL’s Sherwood Park Crusaders from 2006 to 2010.

In those four seasons he posted 169 points (82-89-169) in 165 games. He finished top 10 on his team in scoring during each of his final three years, including a team-leading 87 point campaign during the 2009-10 season. His 44 goals finished amongst league leaders, while his 87 points finished as fifth-most.

Source: Comets Reassign Kunyk to the Alaska Aces | Utica Comets Official Website

Goaltender Michael Garteig assigned to Alaska from Vancouver 

hc-ncaa-hockey-championship-quinnipiac-vs-nort-001
Chris O’Meara / Associated Press.  Quinnipiac goalie Michael Garteig (34) makes a save on a shot by North Dakota defenseman Gage Ausmus (20) during the first period of an NCAA Frozen Four championship college hockey game Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Tampa, Fla.

ANCHORAGE, ALASKA – The Alaska Aces, proud affiliate of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks and AHL’s Utica Comets, have recieved goaltender Michael Garteig from the Canucks. The Aces have also released goaltender Lukas Hafner from his contract.

Aces Head Coach and President of Hockey Operations Rob Murray made the announcement Saturday.

The 24 year old Garteig, a native of Prince George, BC, Canada, most recently played collegiate hockey at Quinnipiac University, leading the Bobcats to the 2015-16 NCAA Division 1 National Championship. He was 78-25-16 in 124 college games.

Garteig was signed by Vancouver to an entry-level contract.

Hafner was signed by the Aces after completing his college career at Western Michigan University. He appeared in 5 games last season for Alaska, going 2-2-0 with a 2.96 GAA and a save percentage at 89 per cent.

The Aces will continue to practice in Anchorage until their season-opener Friday, October 21 at Colorado.

Alaska’s home opener is Friday, October 28 at the Sullivan Arena against Rapid City.

Source: Goaltender Michael Garteig assigned to Alaska from Vancouver | alaskaaces.com