(Fairbanks) - UAF Nanooks Head Hockey Coach Tavis MacMillan announced today that former Nanook Hockey player, Ryan Lang, has signed a one-year professional hockey contract with the Charlotte Checkers of the East Coast Hockey League (ECHL), affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Rangers.
Lang was not available for comment on signing his contract Wednesday, as he was en route to Charlotte. In his four-year career as a Nanook he tallied 28 goals and 39 assists for 67 points in 139 games.
MacMillan, who helped recruit the Saskatchewan native and was an assistant coach for Lang's first three seasons, was excited to hear the good news. "I'm very happy for Ryan. I don't think we have had a player in our program over the last five years who has worked harder to become a 'complete' hockey player."
Lang was honored as the 2003-04 UAF Hockey Team's Most Dedicated Player at the year-end awards banquet. "Ryan dedicated himself to getting better at all the little things. Last season it paid off for him," added MacMillan. "He not only had his best season offensively, but he also became a forward that (former UAF head coach) Guy Gadowsky would use in all situations; penalty kill, key face-offs, and last minute of a period in a game. There is no doubt in my mind that Ryan will have success at the next level. He works too hard not to."
Charlotte Head Coach Derek Wilkinson is excited about the addition, "He's a good young player with a lot of potential who will bring a lot of energy and passion to the ice."
Lang and the Charlotte Checkers are scheduled to open their season on the road, Friday October 22nd versus the Greenville Grrrowl, and then Saturday October 23rd against the South Carolina Stingrays.
To keep track of Lang and other UAF Nanook Hockey alumni still in the action, visit uafhockey.com's "In the Pros" section.
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