Gomez returns to Alaska Aces during NHL lockout

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Scott Gomez is heading back to the Alaska Aces as the NHL lockout drags on.

The Alaska native, who currently plays for the Montreal Canadiens, attended training camp with the Aces this year but has yet to appear in a regular-season game. He will make his debut when Alaska returns home next week to play the Colorado Eagles, the team announced Wednesday.

The 32-year-old Gomez starred for the Aces during the 2004-05 lockout, that forced the cancellation of the entire NHL season, and claimed MVP honors in the ECHL after posting 13 goals and 73 assists in 61 games.

Gomez has 169 goals and 517 assists in 902 NHL games with New Jersey, the New York Rangers, and the Canadiens. He will join fellow NHL forwards and Anchorage products, Brandon Dubinsky, Nate Thompson, and Joey Crabb on the Aces.