Canucks Team With Alaska Aces

Canucks President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden announced today that the club has entered into an affiliation agreement with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL.

Under this arrangement, the Canucks will designate players within their development system for assignment with the Aces during the 2016.17 season.

“We are pleased to enter into a new development partnership with the Aces,” said Canucks President of Hockey Operations Trevor Linden. “The community of Anchorage has a rich history of developing players that have had success at the National Hockey League level.”

The Aces, based in Anchorage, were 2005.06, 2010.11, and 2013.14 Kelly Cup Champions.

The Anchorage Aces originally played in the Pacific Southwest Hockey League from 1989 through 1999 before joining the West Coast Hockey League from 1995 to 2003.

The team joined the ECHL to start the 2003.04 season and were renamed the Alaska Aces after the league switch.

The Aces were previously affiliated with the St. Louis Blues from 2005 to 2012, the Calgary Flames during the 2013.14 season, and both the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild during the 2014.15 season.

Alaska currently competes in the ECHL’s West Division, which also includes Colorado, Idaho, Rapid City and Utah.

The Canucks have had previous ECHL affiliation agreements with the Columbus Chill (1992 to 1994), South Carolina Stingrays (1994.95), Columbia Inferno (2001 to 2006), Victoria Salmon Kings (2006 to 2011), and Kalamazoo Wings (2012 to 2015).

Goalie Team

Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced today that Dan Cloutier has been named the team’s goaltending coach.

The Canucks also confirmed that Roland Melanson has been named to the position of Goaltending Coach, Player Development.

Cloutier joins Head Coach Willie Desjardins and the Canucks coaching staff full time after serving four seasons with Vancouver as Goaltending Consultant, Player Development.

In that role, Cloutier worked primarily with AHL, junior, and college prospects in the Canucks system.

During Cloutier’s tenure, Canucks prospect Thatcher Demko enjoyed a dominant 2015.16 season with Boston College, earning the 2016 Mike Richter Award as the most outstanding goaltender in NCAA men’s hockey.

In the 2014.15 AHL season, Jacob Markstrom finished second overall in goals against average (1.88) and save percentage (.934).

Prior to joining the Canucks, Cloutier served as goaltending consultant for the Barrie Colts.

A native of Mont-Laurier, Quebec, Cloutier was a member of the Vancouver Canucks, New York Rangers, Tampa Bay Lightning and Los Angeles Kings over a span of 10 NHL seasons, posting a career record of 139-142-33, 15 shutouts and 2.77 GAA.

In five seasons with the Canucks, Cloutier played in 208 games posting a 109-68-23 record, 14 shutouts and 2.42 GAA.

In his new role, Melanson will work in a development capacity with prospects in Utica and in the college and junior ranks after serving six seasons as goaltending coach for the Canucks.

Melanson’s first season as goaltending coach saw Roberto Luongo and Cory Schneider combine to win the William M. Jennings Trophy with a league-low 2.20 goals against average.

Prior to joining the Canucks, Melanson was an Assistant Coach with the Montreal Canadiens from 1997 to 2009, an Assistant Coach and Goaltending Coach for the QMJHL Moncton Wildcats from 1995 to 1997, and a goaltending consultant with the AHL St. John Flames from 1993 to 1995.

The first New Brunswick-born goaltender to play in the NHL, Melanson logged 12 NHL seasons with the New York Islanders, Minnesota North Stars, New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, New Jersey Devils and Montreal Canadiens, posting a record of 129-106-33 as well as six shutouts.

Melanson’s playing career is highlighted by three Stanley Cup championships (1981, 1982 and 1983) as a member of the New York Islanders.

Thanks to Canucks media relations for the info!