FAIRBANKS, AK - The University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team's lone graduating senior is going to continue his hockey career as he makes the next step to the professional game.
Kelly Czuy (Calgary, AB/Canmore-AJHL) left Fairbanks Friday morning to pursue a tryout with the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, and signed an amateur try-out contract with their program.
"I'm pretty excited, it's a good opportunity for me," said Czuy prior to his departure. "Playing in the 'A' is a big thing; it's a tough league that's not easy to get into."
Manitoba, a farm team of the National Hockey League's Vancouver Canucks, is in third place in the North Division standings with an overall record of 31-29-6-4 good for 88 points and the tenth best record in the AHL. The Moose have clinched a playoff spot with 10 games remaining in the regular season.
"Their captain is Mike Keane and he's a veteran NHL player and has been a member of several Stanley Cup teams," noted Czuy. "He's got a lot of experience and is a good player. I watched him when I was younger, so I'm interested to meet him and some of the other players."
The 6-1 rightwing was the fourth best point getter on the Nanook squad this season, netting seven goals and 11 assists for 18 points in 36 games. In his career dawning the Blue and Gold, Czuy played in 144 games and had 39 goals and 46 assists good for 85 points. Czuy also led the Nanooks two of his four years in penalty minutes, taking the crown in his freshman and junior campaigns.
"I've heard it's a different kind of game, but from what I've been told by coaches and other players at that level, it fits my style and is rougher so it will suit me a lot better."
UAF head coach
Tavis MacMillan agreed. "Kelly's style is very well suited for the pro game. The little things that we liked about Kelly Czuy that sometimes were frowned upon in the college game will help him excel at the next level. Physically and skill wise he's got the tools to play at that level, and it's a great opportunity for Kelly to showcase his skills and talent at the next level."
The Calgary, Alberta native was also excited to get to play a little closer to home. "My family is only 8 hours away from Manitoba, so they can come and watch me."
While at UAF Czuy's accolades included participating in the Nanook Academic walk in several semesters (for a 3.0 GPA or better), earning conference and national player of the week honors during his sophomore season, and receiving the Dean Fedorchuk Most Improved Player award also in his second season at UAF. On New Year's Eve, he became the seventh skater in Nanook history to capture the Governor's Cup title in all four seasons played.
"We're proud of what he's done for our program and look forward to watching his progress for the remainder of the season and into his pro career," added MacMillan.
- UAF HOCKEY -
