FAIRBANKS, AK – Alaska Nanooks senior center
Dion Knelsen has signed a one-year deal with the Sparta Warriors of Sarpsborg, Norway, and the Norwegian Elite League.
The Norwegian Elite League, or Get Ligaen, is the highest tier of professional hockey in Norway and it is there that Knelsen will develop his professional hockey game throughout the 2010-11 season.
"I am thrilled to be playing with Sparta for the upcoming season,” said Knelsen. “I know they are an excellent organization, playing out of a passionate hockey-town in a competitive league. They are giving me a great opportunity early in my pro career, and I will do everything I can to help them win a championship. I am looking forward to learning the European game and having a very successful season with the Warriors."
Knelsen, who capped off his four-year career at Alaska with a stellar senior season by leading the Blue and Gold in scoring for the third straight year with 19 goals and 24 assists good for 43 points. His four-year, career scoring line of 45 goals, 75 assists and 120 points rank 17
th on Alaska's all-time scoring list.
The Three Hills, Alberta native amassed a handful of awards and honors throughout the 2009-10 campaign including: team MVP, CCHA Scholar-Athlete of the Year, CCHA Humanitarian of the Year, CCHA All-Conference Team Honorable Mention, Alaska Nanooks Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year, UAF's Joel Weigert Outstanding Graduating Senior Man, Lowe's Senior CLASS All-Senior First Team All-American, all-tournament team and MVP honors at the Kendall Classic and Brice Alaska Goal Rush, respectively, and was one of just seven finalists for the prestigious Hockey Humanitarian Award.
A business major with aspirations to own a business that fosters his passion for music, Knelsen will graduate this Sunday at UAF's Commencement ceremony at the Carlson Center along with his older brother and teammate for the past four seasons,
Brandon Knelsen.
