The Alaska Aces got hit with their second suspension of the week Thursday -- the ECHL banned winger Collin Valcourt for two games for his major elbowing penalty late in Wednesdsay's 6-1 win at Idaho.
Valcourt chicken-winged his elbow on Torin Snyderman as the Steelheads forward entered the Aces' zone with speed. The suspension did not come as a surprise -- Aces coach Rob Murray after Wednesday's game said he wouldn't be surprised if his first-line left wing was suspended. In any event, Valcourt will sit out games Friday and Saturday at Idaho.
And Valcourt's suspension means the Aces' first-line and second-line left wings will be sitting this weekend. Hunt on Wednesday served the first game of his three-game, league-imposed suspension for joining an altercation after he was released from the penalty box during a stop in play in the third period of Alaska's 7-2 loss at Colorado last Saturday.
All of which means the Aces' addition of two forwards this week -- center Ryan Tesink was assigned to them by the St. Louis Blues and they picked up Matt Harlow in a trade with Manchester for future considerations -- was especially timely.
Tesink, who played for the Aces last season as a rookie, centered the third line Wednesday. He scored Alaska's first goal, was +2 with two shots on goal, and helped Alaska kill all five Idaho power plays. Harlow is likely to get his first action for the Aces on Friday.
With Hunt and Valcourt out, the Aces are down to 11 forwards. ECHL teams customarily dress 10 forwards.
Also, think it's safe to assume that the Steelheads will be much, much better Friday than they were Wednesday.