The Alaska Aces have re-signed forward Dan Kissel for the 2012-2013 season, Aces Head Coach Rob Murray announced on Friday afternoon.  Kissel paced the Aces in scoring during the regular season, and goals in the playoffs.  The Aces begin the 2012-2013 season on the road and return home on Friday, October 19 at Sullivan Arena to host the Utah Grizzlies.  Season ticket and sponsorship packages are currently available through the Aces office at 15^th & Gambell.  For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey. 

Kissel, 25, will spend his third season in Alaska after being acquired in a trade during the 2010-2011 campaign.  The Crestwood, IL native has been exceptional for the Aces, producing nearly a point per game in his Alaska career.  He has 91 points (46g, 45a) in 97 regular season games with the Aces, and 18 points (8g, 10a) in 23 playoff games.  Last year the 5’9”, 180 lbs. Kissel had a breakout season, setting career highs in goals (35), assists (33), and points (68).  He finished as the highest scoring player on the Aces roster, and tied with teammate Wes Goldie for second in ECHL goal scoring.  He was tied for third in Western Conference scoring, and seventh overall in the league.  His five goals in ten playoff games also led Alaska last season.  Kissel proved to be a threat on the power play as well, notching a career-best 10 power play goals, ending the year tied for seventh in the ECHL. 

Murray said that Kissel was his most consistent offensive weapon last season, and feels like he is capable of duplicating, or even surpassing his success from a year ago. 

“Dan was a guy who produced wherever we put him last year,” said Murray.  “It didn’t matter who he was playing with or what the situation was.  You could always count on him to contribute offensively.  To be able to rely on a guy like that night in and night out is an incredible asset to the team. 

“He’s such a gifted hockey player, and you can see how his numbers get better each year, showing that as good as he is, he’s still improving,” added Murray.  “I know he feels he can put up big numbers like that again, and he’s certainly going to be one of the biggest pieces of our offense this year.”    

Kissel has been a force in the league since turning pro.  He erupted onto the scene with seven goals and eight points in 11 games with Bakersfield as an amateur in 2010.  The next season he began the year with the Gwinnet Gladiators, before arriving in Alaska and finishing the season on a tear.  He had 23 points (11g, 12a) in 27 games with the Aces, and combined to finish with 20 goals and 46 points in his first full professional season.  He also chipped in 11 points (3g, 8a) in 13 playoff games, helping the Aces win the 2011 Kelly Cup.  Last year he shattered those numbers as the rest of the hockey world took notice.  Kissel was recognized as an ECHL Silver Skater – last year’s equivalent of being named an All-Star, and he received his first ever AHL call-up, being summoned to the Bridgeport Sound Tigers.   

Prior to turning pro, Kissel played four collegiate seasons at the University of Notre Dame.  In 140 games for the Fighting Irish, Kissel has 57 points (25g, 32a).  In 2008, as a sophomore, Kissel helped the Irish to the NCAA National Championship game. 

The Aces 2012-2013 season begins on the road and the club will return home on Friday, October 19 at Sullivan Arena.  Season ticket and sponsorship packages are currently available through the Aces office at 15^th & Gambell.  For more information, please call the Aces at 907.258.ACES or visit them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/alaskaaceshockey.