Alaska Aces Hockey

Former NHLer Tim Wallace practicing with Alaska Aces, but that's all it is for now

OK, Alaska Aces fans, settle down.

Yes, that was former NHL winger Tim Wallace of Anchorage practicing with the Aces on Sunday morning, but do not assume he will play for the ECHL hockey club this season.

Wallace, 32, who signed a professional tryout deal with the Aces, said he still is hopeful he'll receive a contract offer in Europe, where he has played the last three seasons.

"Just waiting for a good deal to come along, pretty much," Wallace said after practice. "In the meantime, the Aces have been awesome. I'm really thankful for the opportunity."

Both parties benefit. Wallace gets to stay fit by practicing with a pro team and the Aces, who are short on players while several of their contracted skaters compete in American Hockey League training camps, get a skilled, experienced player to elevate the quality of their practices.

Wallace said he can envision one day playing for the Aces, yet is focused on getting an opportunity abroad. He played last season in the DEL, the German elite league, and the two seasons before that in Sweden's top league.

"Definitely before I retired I would love to do it," Wallace said of playing for his hometown team. "When that would be, I don't know."

ADVERTISEMENT

Aces coach Rob Murray said the organization understands Wallace is still searching for work in Europe.

"Right now, we're happy to have him skating with us," Murray said. "You never know. Right now, he's a man without a job. We'd like to see him in an Aces uniform."

Wallace, entering his 11th season as a pro, played 101 NHL games, skating for the Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Islanders, Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes. He twice scored 20 goals or more in the AHL. The former Notre Dame skater hasn't played in the ECHL since he was a rookie with the Wheeling Nailers in the 2006-07 season and delivered 6-11–17 totals in 19 games.

Wallace said he's taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to playing this season.

"One day at a time," he said.

 

Doyle Woody

Doyle Woody covered hockey and other sports for the Anchorage Daily News for 34 years.

ADVERTISEMENT