Washington Capitals Recall Aaron Ness

The Washington Capitals have recalled Aaron Ness from Hershey the club announced Sunday afternoon. The 25-year-old defenseman had nine points in 21 games for Hershey this season, spending time on the first power play unit the last few games.

Ness was named 2008 Minnesota Mr. Hockey, and award given to the top senior high school hockey player in the state of Minnesota. He has been one of Hershey’s best defensemen to start the season, playing in 21 of Hershey’s 22 games, and losing a tooth in the process.

Below is the press release from the Capitals:

ARLINGTON, VA. – The Washington Capitals have recalled defenseman Aaron Ness from the Hershey Bears of the American Hockey League (AHL), senior vice president and general manager Brian MacLellan announced today.

Ness, 25, registered nine assists and 12 penalty minutes in 29 games (sic) with the Bears this season. Last season, Ness appeared in 74 games with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, leading the club’s defensemen in points and assists and setting career highs in goals (8), assists (37) and points (45). He ranked sixth among all AHL defensemen in scoring and was selected to the NHL All-Star Classic. The Roseau, Minn., native has earned three points (one goal, two assists) and 12 penalty minutes in 29 career NHL games with the New York Islanders.

Ness was drafted by the Islanders in the second round, 40th overall, in the 2008 NHL Draft. The Capitals signed Ness as a free agent on July 1.

Hershey faces off against division rival Wilkes-Barre tonight at 5 pm.