Former Nanook Hockey standout Felipe Larranaga is on his way today to Vojens, Denmark after signing a contract to play professional hockey for Sonderjyske of the Superbest Liagen, Denmark's elite pro league. Larranaga will be a teammate of former UAF hockey star Dean Fedorchuk.
"This is a dream come true for many reasons," said Larranaga. "I've played hockey my whole life, hoping that I would be able to play professional hockey one day. Now, I am fortunate to be going overseas to play professional hockey with Dean Fedorchuk, a man who has meant so much to my life."
"I had tapes of all UAF hockey games sent to me during the season so I could keep up with how the team was doing," said Fedorchuk, who played for the Nanooks from 1990-94. "He really liked Felipe on tape and we needed someone to run our power play. Felipe is an elite player and has experience playing on an Olympic size sheet like we have in Denmark. I think he will do a great job and I am happy we have Felipe on our team."
Larranaga, a native of Fairbanks, had a productive four-year career with the Nanooks. The talented defenseman finished his time in the Nanook blue and gold with 15 goals and 64 assists for 79 total points, earning the Shawn Chambers Best Defenseman Award in each of the last two seasons.
"Felipe was the most deceptive hockey player I'd ever been on the ice with," said former UAF Head Coach Guy Gadowsky. "Sometimes I caught myself watching him in practice. He is such a beautiful hockey player, so creative. His skating is silky smooth and his hands are silky smooth. I've always been so impressed with him."
Larranaga left Fairbanks on Thursday to join his new club.
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