Aaron Ness, an American professional ice hockey defenseman, embarked on his NHL journey after being drafted by the New York Islanders in the second round, 40th overall, of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft. Born on May 18, 1990, in Roseau, Minnesota, Ness honed his skills in his hometown before playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota. His time with the Golden Gophers helped him develop the skills necessary to transition to the professional level.
Ness began his professional career with the Islanders' American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Bridgeport Sound Tigers, during the 2011-2012 season. His solid performance in the AHL earned him a call-up to the NHL, where he made his debut with the Islanders in the 2011-2012 season. Over the next few years, Ness split his time between the Islanders and the Sound Tigers, gaining valuable experience and refining his game.
In 2015, Ness signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Washington Capitals, marking a new chapter in his career. He spent the majority of his time with the Capitals' AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears, where he became a reliable presence on the blue line. His tenure with the Bears was marked by consistent play and leadership, which did not go unnoticed by the Capitals. Ness was called up to the NHL on several occasions, providing depth and stability to the Capitals' defensive corps when needed.
Ness's journey continued as he signed with the Arizona Coyotes in 2019. He played primarily with their AHL affiliate, the Tucson Roadrunners, where he continued to be a steady presence on the ice. His experience and poise were assets to the Roadrunners, and he occasionally joined the Coyotes for NHL action, adding depth to their defensive lineup.
Throughout his career, Ness was known for his skating ability and hockey sense. While he may not have been a regular fixture in the NHL, his contributions at the AHL level were invaluable to the teams he played for. Ness's professional journey is a testament to his perseverance and adaptability in the competitive world of professional hockey.
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