March 15, 2008
FAIRBANKS, AK - Just five days after finishing his collegiate career, Alaska Nanook goalie Wylie Rogers learned his hockey career would continue, signing a professional contract with the Utah Grizzlies of the East Coast Hockey League, an affiliate of the National Hockey League's New York Islanders Friday, just two-days shy of his 23rd birthday. He will make his professional debut between the pipes for Utah tonight at Las Vegas.
"I'm very excited," said Rogers. "I was able to watch Friday night's game (against Las Vegas) and get a feel for the speed of the game and the (Grizzlies) style of play."
Rogers has been added to the Grizzlies roster amidst a slue of transactions that has seen two forwards and a defenseman recalled by the American Hockey League's Bridgeport Sound Tigers. He is one of four goalies rostered by the Grizzlies, and one of three skaters with Alaska connections, including former Alaska Anchorage Seawolves goalie, Nathan Lawson who is sidelined with an injury, and forward Justin Johnson.
"I'm rooming with JJ (Johnson) and he's given me a lot of good insights to this level of play and the team already," he said.
The conference leading Las Vegas Wranglers (39-11-5-7) defeated the Utah Grizzlies (30-25-1-6) 2-1 Friday night at the Orleans Arena with Rogers in the stands. The Grizzlies, however clinched a playoff berth for the second time in three years thanks to the Alaska Aces who defeated the Bakersfield Condors 3-2 in regulation. With their season assured to reach the post season, Rogers is thankful to have signed so quickly after his college career.
"Me being able to get the amount of games I did this season have really helped me to get to where I am right now," said Rogers. "I'm fresh, right out of the playoffs, and I'm ready to go."
He couldn't be any better prepared after leaving the program the most decorated goalie in Nanook history. Rogers enjoyed a stellar four-year career with the Blue and Gold and holds numerous Nanook goalie records: saves in a game (64), single-season minutes (1,794), single-season saves percentage (.922), saves in a single season (923), career wins (42), career shutouts (seven), career player of the week awards (seven), career saves (2,960), and career minutes (6,174). As a rookie he was voted the Steve Moria most valuable player and a member of the CCHA All-Tournament team and was the team's top playoff performer as a sophomore. Rogers also notched six assists in 113 career games.
The Fairbanks native becomes the first Nanook on the current roster to sign a professional contract.
"We are extremely proud he's getting the opportunity to continue his hockey career," said Alaska head coach Doc DelCastillo. "We wish him the best as far as representing himself and the program."
