The Alaska Aces on Tuesday acquired forward Collin Valcourt from Quad City, according to the ECHL. Or, the Aces signed him as a free agent, per their press release.
Still waiting for some clarity -- trade or free-agent signing? -- but the principal news is the same: Valcourt is an Ace. (Really, the difference is, if it was a trade, presumably the Aces gave up something, even if merely token cash.)
UPDATE: Kurt Haider of the Aces hooked me up with some knowledge -- technically, the deal is a trade, but involved an immigration issue (Valcourt is Canadian) and a fee from the Aces to Quad City that was so nominal I might have an equivalent amount in my couch cushions).
In any event, Valcourt, 22, did not have a goal for the Mallards in 11 games, but did have four assists, including one helper in one game against the Aces.
He gives them some additional size -- the Aces are fairly small up front. Valcourt is 6-2, 216.
Valcourt last season played in the Czech Republic as a rookie, and the season before that in the WHL, where he split the season between Saskatoon and Prince Albert, he earned 28-44--72 totals in 71 games.
The Aces also have placed winger David Eddy on the 21-day injured reserve, retroactive to Nov. 18.
The Aces on Friday open a three-game home series against the Evansville IceMen at Sullivan Arena.