Aces wild

J's World, by Jeremiah Bartz

Scott Gomez is proving, you can come home again.

With the National Hockey League lockout forcing North America's best hockey players to Europe, Alaska's most notable hockey star has had an ace up his sleeve all along. Rather than taking big dollars to play in Russia, Gomez laid down his best hand and headed straight to Anchorage.

There are about a hundred reasons why Gomez's return to Alaska is great; great for Gomez, great for hockey in Alaska, great for Alaska.

For Gomez, he has financial stability. He has the awards and honors. He has had the opportunity to raise Lord Stanley's Cup. Even with all that considered, Gomez still sacrificed top dollar and that you have to respect.

Gomez will have the opportunity to come home to friends and family and remain in game shape and competitive in the game of hockey, all positives for him, but the positives for the Aces organization and local hockey fans are incredible. Even if the Aces merely rent Gomez for a few months, Alaska fans have the opportunity to see a National League Hockey player in action on a regular basis, and Gomez's teammates have an opportunity to skate with an NHL'er every day. For some, just a few tips from a player like Gomez or the opportunity to skate with or against a pro like him may be the difference between skating in the East Coast Hockey League for the remainder of their career, or a shot at the bigs.

By joining the Aces, the greatest thing Gomez may do is help the interest and love for hockey continue to burn in Alaska. With NHL lockout, the game is going to take a hit nationally. It is imperative, interest for the game remains not only alive, but burning, in key regions such as the North East United States, the Michigan-Minnesota region and Alaska. With Alaska's attention on Gomez and the Aces, the improving UAF Nanooks and Seawolves, the game should stay strong in our state.