Justin Breton's production improved dramatically once he finally cracked the Alaska Aces' lineup with regularity in the second half of last hockey season.
The speedy left winger and penalty killer played 33 of the team's last 34 games, and generated nine goals, 18 points and a plus-2 rating in that span – solid numbers for a third-liner.
Breton's transformation from spare part to steady role player convinced Aces coach Rob Murray to re-sign him, and the ECHL club on Tuesday announced the return of Breton as well as the addition of rookie defenseman Mitch Jones.
The two signings bring to eight the number of players the Aces have announced as secured for the upcoming season. The breakdown: Three defensemen, three forwards and two goaltenders.
Breton, 26, spent the first half of last season often squeezed out of the lineup largely by players affiliated by contract with teams from higher leagues, status which all but mandated their appearance in Alaska's lineup. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder played in just 17 of the team's first 38 games, contributing one goal, one assist and a minus-9 rating. When Breton did play, it was sometimes as the 10th forward, a skater often relegated to occasional shifts.
Still, Murray said, Breton carried himself like a pro.
"He never pouted,'' Murray said. "He worked hard every day at practice.''
The coach preached patience to the rookie, told him his time would come. When it did, he furnished solid production, and even bagged a hat trick in an 8-5 win over Stockton.
"He started playing more, got more comfortable, and he had that night at home where he scored three goals,'' Murray said. "Justin isn't (overly) skilled, but he has NHL skating ability.
"If he finds a way for his hands to catch up with his feet – he had 10 goals last year – hopefully in his role he can give us upward of 15 goals this year.''
Jones, 20, comes to the Aces from the Plymouth Whalers of the Ontario Hockey League, where last season he generated 9-9—18 totals and 157 penalty minutes in 58 games.
"He's plays a real strong, physical game,'' Murray said of the 5-11, 190-pounder.
Jones led the Whalers in regular-season fighting majors with 10.
Murray said he learned of Jones from his friend Mike LaZazzera, who was an assistant coach with Plymouth last season.
When Murray got in touch with Jones, their conversation triggered a connection – Jones' father, Brad, a former NHL forward, was Murray's teammate with Springfield in the American Hockey League 20 years ago.
Reach Doyle Woody at dwoody@alaskadispatch.com, check out his blog at adn.com/hockeyblog and follow him on Twitter at @JaromirBlagr