ST. LOUIS -- On Thursday, former two-time All-American Colton Parayko will become the most recent Alaska Nanook to make his National Hockey League debut, as he will suit up for the St. Louis Blues for their 2015-16 opening night game against the Edmonton Oilers.
Parayko made favorable impression on the Blues' coaching staff throughout five preseason games with the Blues, as the St. Alberta, Alberta native finished in a tie for third in the NHL In assists with six and tied for ninth in points (6).
The formal announcement was made on Monday, as Parayko was one of 23 players to make the 2015-16 St. Louis Blues roster.
"It's really exciting and something that I cannot put into words," said Parayko about making the roster. "This is something you dream of as a kid. I got a chance to play part of a professional season with a team that made the playoffs and that was really beneficial for me. That experience really got me prepared for this preseason."
Parayko, who came to the Nanooks as property of the Blues after being selected in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, appeared in 17 games for the Chicago Wolves after playing in all 34 games with Alaska last year. The defenseman made an immediate impact with the Wolves, as he collected seven points with four goals and three assists to help Chicago reach the first round of the AHL Playoffs.
In his three years with the Nanooks, Parayko appeared in a total of 104 games, collecting a total of 83 points thanks to 17 goals and 66 assists. He was named the team captain last season, as he led the Nanooks to a 19-13-2 mark.
"The entire Nanook Nation is extremely excited and proud of Colton for earning a roster spot with the Blues," said head coach Dallas Ferguson. "Colton's deep commitment to continuous improvement to his game, mixed with his ability as a hockey player, has been very impressive in his time as a Nanook. He has earned this opportunity to play in the best league in the world and we could not be happier for him and his family."
During his tenure, Parayko was a two-time American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) Second-Team All-American, the two-time WCHA Defensive Player of the Year (2013-14, 2014-15) and a two-time All-WCHA first team selection.
"Playing for the Alaska Nanooks has played a huge part in my professional success," Parayko expressed. "I cannot say enough good things about the program, Coach Ferguson turns every player he coaches into a hard worker. I appreciate the time I had with the Nanooks. I met a lot of great people and have teammates that I will be friends with for the rest of my life. They have an outstanding program and I'm lucky to be a part of their tradition."
Ferguson stated that Parayko is a prime example of why playing NCAA hockey is a good development model for players aspiring to play in the NHL and said playing in leagues like the WCHA helps make young prospects, like Parayko, a better player while also adequately preparing them for professional life both on and off the ice.
"The Blues are a great organization and I've been impressed with how they've managed Colton during his time with us," Ferguson stated. "We are proud to have been a part of Colton's development and we thank the Blues for supporting our program through the process."
Parayko will become the second Nanook to make his NHL debut within the last two years. Former standout Cody Kunyk made his debut with the Tampa Bay Lightning during the 2013-14 campaign, as he went straight from Alaska to the Lightning.
"It's a very special time to be a Nanook," said assistant coach Corbin Schmidt. "It's special to see our players continue onto the NHL. In Colton's case we knew he would eventually make it to that level, but for him to make the opening night roster after his first training camp with the Blues is something that won't be forgotten by any of us here."
Schmidt was excited to hear the news of Parayko's selection to the Blues roster and said that St. Louis is not only getting a top-notch player, but also a top-notch person.
"Colton is the kind of guy we look for when we go out and recruit not only for his on ice talent, but also for his character. He is the most humble player that I've ever coached and I'm sure everyone on our staff would agree with that."
Schmidt believes that Parayko has left a lasting impact on the Nanook hockey program in his three short years in Fairbanks, and says that he will be a person that the coaches, players and fans will talk about for years to come.
Parayko and the Blues will open the 2015-16 season against the Edmonton Oilers this Thursday at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, Missouri. The first face-off is set for 4 p.m. AKT. Parayako will be wearing No. 55.
The 2015-16 Alaska Nanooks hockey team will open its season this Friday, as they'll participate in the Kendall Hockey Classic in Anchorage, Alaska. The Nanooks open the two-day Classic on Friday with a 5:07 p.m. AKT contest against St. Cloud State, who is receiving votes in the USA Today/USA Hockey Magazine Poll, and conclude with NCAA Division I newcomer Arizona State on Saturday at 4:07 p.m. AKT.
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks hockey program, follow @NanooksHockey on Twitter or like Alaska Nanooks Hockey on Facebook.
