Jordan Hendry left a lasting mark on Alaska Nanooks hockey during his four-year career from 2002-06, establishing himself as a dependable defenseman, respected leader and integral member of four Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup championship teams. Having played from 2002-06, Hendry appeared in 112 games on the Nanooks blue line, recording 36 points on 11 goals and 25 assists. His steady play and development earned him the Doug Desourcie Top Rookie award in 2003, before he was recognized as UAF’s Shawn Chambers Best Defenseman in 2006. Hendry’s leadership also became increasingly important to the Nanooks, serving as an assistant captain during the final two seasons of his collegiate career.
Most notably, Hendry was part of four Governor’s Cup victories during his time at Alaska, contributing to a championship tradition that remains one of the defining rivalries in Nanooks hockey. His combination of defensive responsibility, physical play and leadership made him an important presence on each of those championship teams.
Hendry’s success at Alaska served as a launching point for an accomplished professional hockey career. Following his UAF career, he went on to play nine seasons professionally from 2006-15, including 131 games in the National Hockey League with the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks and 263 games in the American Hockey League. His professional career reached its pinnacle in 2010, when he was a member of the Chicago Blackhawks’ Stanley Cup championship team.
While Hendry’s accomplishments beyond Fairbanks further demonstrate the caliber of player he was at Alaska, his impact on Nanooks hockey extends well beyond his playing career. He has remained closely connected to UAF hockey and the broader Alaska hockey community, attending Nanooks games, participating in hockey banquets and alumni events, and continuing to support Alaska Nanooks Athletics.
Hendry has also carried his passion for hockey into coaching, dedicating his time to youth hockey in Fairbanks and helping introduce the game to the next generation. Through coaching his sons’ and daughters’ teams with Hockey Club Fairbanks, he continues to share the lessons and passion that hockey provided him during his own playing career.
From four Governor’s Cup championships and two seasons as an assistant captain to earning UAF’s top defensive honor and eventually lifting the Stanley Cup, Jordan Hendry’s hockey career reflects excellence at every level. His continued commitment to Nanooks hockey and to developing young players in the Fairbanks community further strengthens his legacy as a player, leader and ambassador for the sport.
