Posts on ‘February 4th, 2009’

According to a press release by the EPHL, the Aces have put defensemen Gabe Yeung and Joe Lyle on waivers alongside forward Eddie Chlanda.

Scoring seven points in 12 games with Brooklyn after being picked up from Hudson Valley in early January, the Aces coaching staff wanted more toughness from the 6′5 blue liner.

“He was playing in all situations in Hudson Valley; he was the backbone of that team,” said Aces head coach Chris Firriolo. “We wanted something different from him here and he didn’t quite fit into that role. At the end of the day, I’m a huge Gabe Yeung fan, but we’re looking for something else right now. He also has an opportunity to play in England that he has to think about.”

Battling concussion problems all season, Lyle, who was let go by Brooklyn earlier in the season and was picked up by the Bears, seemed primed for more health-related issues, forcing the Aces to part ways with him.

Before a single puck was dropped at Aviator Arena this season, James Brannigan seemed like a perfect fit for the Brooklyn Aces.

Looking for a place to thrive after being used in defensive roles at Colorado College and the ECHL that didn’t show off his 97 mph slapshot, Brannigan needed a change of scenery and a chance to prove just how talented he really was. Playing amazing hockey during his time in his hometown, Brannigan was leading the league in scoring with 22 goals and 35 points when he was called up to the Utah Grizzlies of the ECHL on Dec. 29 .

Now just a heartbeat away from the AHL and even the NHL, Brannigan has seven points in 12 games with the Grizzlies. Chatting over the phone from Utah in this exclusive interview done last night, Brannigan talks about his time in Brooklyn this season in addition to his hopes for the future and how he’s enjoying his time in the Mid-West.