Aug. 5, 2005

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Senior defenseman Corbin Schmidt (Anchorage, AK/Tri-City-USHL) of the University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team has become the first member of the current Nanook squad to sign a professional hockey contract.

Schmidt has agreed to join his hometown team, the Alaska Aces of the East Coast Hockey League, for the 2005-06 season.

Schmidt had one goal and 13 assists this year for 14 points while playing in all 37 of the Nanooks' games. He had eight penalties for 19 minutes, and ranked second in scoring among UAF defensemen. In 199 games during his UAF career, Schmidt had four goals and 19 assists for 23 points.

"I think it's a great situation for Corbin and for the Aces," said UAF Head Coach Tavis MacMillan. "Corbin has grown as a player and as a person since he's come here. It's a testament to him and how hard he's worked. Corbin came here as a walk-on forward four years ago, and he ended up as a scholarship defenseman who played in our top four when (junior) Jordan Hendry (Nokomis, SK/Battlefords-SJHL) went down. Corbin elevated his game and helped us have success. He is a great team player and is very committed to doing everything in a team environment. He can be a very important player at the professional level because of his versatility."

The Aces went 45-19-8 this season, finishing first in the West Division of the National Conference and setting a team record with 98 points. They won their first two playoff series, and then lost in the National Conference finals to eventual Kelly Cup champion Trenton. Star forward Scott Gomez of the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League played for the Aces last season due to the NHL lockout.

The Aces play their home games at Anchorage's Sullivan Arena.