One day before their ECHL season-opener, the Alaska Aces added former UAF center Cody Kunyk, who has played one game in the NHL and as a Nanooks senior was the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's Player of the Year and a second-team All-American.
The Aces' affiliate in the American Hockey League, the Utica Comets, loaned Kunyk, 26, to the Aces.
Kunyk was scheduled to meet the Aces on Thursday in Denver as they made their way to Loveland, Colorado, for Friday night's season debut against the Colorado Eagles.
The Aces were privately hopeful in the offseason that Kunyk would land here because Alaska coach Rob Murray was instrumental in landing Kunyk a deal in Utica.
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Kunyk's arrival strengthens the Aces at center, where they already have returners Stephen Perfetto, Tim Coffman and Ben Lake, and rookie Daniel Moynihan.
Kunyk's addition brings to four the number of players the Aces have added through their new affiliation this season with the NHL's Vancouver Canucks and Utica, Vancouver's AHL affiliate. Moynihan, rookie goaltender Michael Garteig and rookie defenseman Mackenze Stewart were also assigned to the Aces.
As a Nanooks senior in 2013-14, Kunyk delivered 22-21—43 totals in 37 games and was voted WCHA Player of the Year. In 148 career games at UAF, he racked 60-73—133 totals.
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Kunyk signed with the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning after finishing his college eligibility and played one game for them. He played his rookie season with AHL Syracuse, generating 10-16—26 totals in 69 games.
Last season, Kuynk captained the Gentofte Stars in Denmark and earned 13-16—29 totals in 27 games. He did not play in Utica's first two games this season.
The Aces likely will officially release a player Friday to make room for Kunyk on the active roster.