Alaska Hockey’s Home To Receive Upgrades With Governor’s Approval Of Carlson Center Renovation Phase II

Alaska Hockey’s Home To Receive Upgrades With Governor’s Approval Of Carlson Center Renovation Phase II

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The Alaska Nanooks men's ice hockey team is in for some positive changes when it comes to their home venue, as they will reap the benefits of the Carlson Center Renovation Phase II, which was a part of the capital budget approved last week by Governor Sean Parnell.

“The approval of the funding for the 'CCRP2' project is very exciting for the community of Fairbanks,” Alaska head coach Dallas Ferguson said. “The Carlson Center is a major venue for community events and it is a facility that Fairbanks is very proud of.  This project will provide some huge upgrades to the facility and make it one of the premier multipurpose facilities in the State of Alaska."

The project, which includes $3.5 million for much needed renovations and improvements to the16-year old facility, includes the construction of new home and visiting locker rooms, a media room, training room, lounge, spin room, community locker rooms, equipment rooms and a multi purpose room for other event and facility needs.

“The Carlson Center is a true gem to the community, and to Alaska's interior,” said Fairbanks Mayor Luke Hopkins. “A big part of the reason why is that it is home to University of Alaska Nanook Hockey. This funding proves that the community and the State are behind the Nanook program. We're thrilled to be able to make much needed renovations which will be the envy of many Division I programs.”

Ferguson echoed the Mayor's sentiments. “This renovation will elevate our program by making our facility comparable to other top Division I programs,” he said. “This effort will provide our program with a facility upgrade we have desperately needed to improve the quality of our program from a recruiting standpoint."

While the Nanooks are the resident tenant, the Carlson Center plays host to several annual events such as the World Eskimo Indian Olympics and the Alaska Federation of Natives conference as well as various concerts and trade shows. It is also home turf for the Fairbanks Grizzlies arena football team and the Fairbanks Roller Girls women's roller derby team throughout the year.

"Many people in the community made this possible and I would like to specifically thank Steve Shuttleworth for all of his efforts,” said University of Alaska Fairbanks Director of Athletics Forrest Karr. “We're just thankful that Alaska Hockey will have an excellent facility for years to come."

“I'm very grateful to the interior delegation and several individuals within our community that have seen this project as a positive for our community,” added Ferguson. “It's been a long time coming and it's an exciting time for the Fairbanks community and Nanook Hockey.”
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