Sept. 13, 2007
FAIRBANKS, AK - The Alaska Nanooks hockey program is pleased to announce that seven of its alumni are participating in National Hockey League camps across the nation that open Friday. It is the team's largest representation at NHL camps in the program's 28-year history.
Three skaters off last year's squad, center Curtis Fraser, left wing Kyle Greentree and defenseman Darcy Campbell, are attending their first NHL camp. Fraser is with the Calgary Flames while Greentree is in Philadelphia with the Flyers. Campbell, who became the first Nanook skater to make the jump from college directly to the NHL at the end of last season, is where he left off in Columbus with the BlueJackets.
Four more players who previously donned a Blue and Gold jersey join their respective teams in camp on Friday. Defenseman Jordan Hendry (Chicago Blackhawks), left wing Cam Keith (St. Louis Blues), right wing Aaron Voros (Minnesota Wild), and defenseman Dwayne Zinger (Boston Bruins) all open their NHL campaigns tomorrow.
"This program is very proud of its alumni who are seeking their professional hockey careers," said first-year head coach Doc DelCastillo. "We wish them the best of luck as they continue to play. We are confident that they will continue to represent the program, the University, the community of Fairbanks and the state of Alaska as solid players, citizens and people."
Of the seven players participating in camps this week, Voros was the only skater with NHL connections while he played for Alaska, having been snapped up by the New Jersey Devils in the eighth round of the 2001 Entry Draft. The other six were all signed as free agents at the conclusion of their collegiate season. Four of the seven (Voros, Greentree, Campbell and Hendry) left Alaska prior to completing their NCAA eligibility to pursue the professional game.
Alaska's current roster boasts two NHL draft picks in defenseman Tyler Eckford (New Jersey `04) and goalie Chad Johnson (Pittsburgh `06). Although he won't report to the Penguin's camp this week, Johnson already attended the organizations Prospects' Camp in July.
In addition to the Nanook contingent in the NHL, Alaska will also have a significant contribution to international hockey as well, as at least three former players will take the ice in Europe this season. Center Ryan Lang will play in Italy, defenseman Nathan Fornataro will play in France and Hall of Fame member Dean Fedorchuk will continue to skate in Denmark.
As the Nanook hockey program continues to grow, more and more Alaska alumni are continuing their careers at the professional level: this season, a record-high 16 alumni will ply their trade in various levels of pro hockey.
"It is great to see the program being recognized by the NHL and the professional hockey leagues around the world, and for our [former] players to be getting opportunities to play at the next level." DelCastillo said, "It shows current and future players what our program is capable of and it gives them something to continue to strive for."
The Nanooks are excited to follow their alumni as they continue to thrive in the professional leagues around the world this season. They are equally excited to lace up their skates for the first official practice of the 2007-08 season on Monday, September 17.
The following is a list of Alaska Nanook Hockey Alumni who are scheduled to play professional hockey this season (and their current professional hockey affiliation):
National Hockey League
Darcy Campbell (Columbus Bluejackets)
Curtis Fraser (Calgary Flames)
Cam Keith (St. Louis Blues)
Dwayne Zinger (Boston Bruins)
Kyle Greentree (Philadelphia Flyers)
Jordan Hendry (Chicago Blackhawks)
Aaron Voros (Minnesota Wild)
American Hockey League
Kelly Czuy (Iowa Stars/Dallas Stars)
Lucas Burnett (Peoria Rivermen/St. Louis Blues)
Corbin Schmidt (Providence Bruins/Boston Bruins)
ECHL
Felipe Larranaga (Alaska Aces)
CHL
Adam Powell (Corpus Cristi Rayz)
Ryan McLeod (New Mexico Scorpions)
International
Dean Fedorchuk (Denmark)
Nate Fornataro (France)
Ryan Lang (Italy)
