FAIRBANKS, Alaska – Alaska Nanooks hockey head coach Erik Largen announced on Saturday afternoon that senior defenseman Nikolas Koberstein has been named the team captain for the upcoming 2018-19 season.

Largen also announced that senior forward Ryker Leer and junior forward Kyle Marino will serve as the Nanooks' alternate captains this season.

Koberstein, a 6-foot-2, 208-pound blueliner was voted team captain by his teammates and inherits the "C" from former Nanooks hockey defenseman Justin Woods.

Last season, Koberstein was one of six Alaska players to appear in all 36 games, collecting one goal and 11 assists for a career-best 12 points. The Barrhead, Alberta native posted one multi-point game last season (two assists), while also chipping in five power play points and one game-winning assist.

Off the ice, Koberstein was named the Alaska Nanooks' Pump House Team Player of the Year at the end of the season banquet. A business administration major, Koberstein is a two-time WCHA All-Academic team selection and a two-time WCHA Scholar-Athlete.

"Nikolas is the true definition of a Nanook," Largen said on Saturday. "He is a hard worker who cares more about the team than he does himself. He has the respect of all his teammates and coaches and will help guide the program to the next level."

Leer, a 5-foot-11, 195-pound forward, appeared in 34 games for the Nanooks throughout the 2017-18 season, registering six goals and three assists for a career-high nine points. Leer enters his fourth and final season with the Nooks appearing in 90 career games, totaling 20 points from 10 goals and 10 assists.

Leer, a business administration major, is a WCHA Scholar-Athlete and a two-time WCHA All-Academic team honoree.

"Ryker is someone who truly loves the game of hockey," Largen said of Leer. "He is willing to be vocal and hold his teammates accountable. He has done a great job organizing our team and younger players already and will continue to lead going into this season."

After sitting out his rookie season, Marino appeared in 31 games for the Alaska Nanooks throughout the 2017-18 campaign. At 6-foot-3, 215-pounds, Marino registered two goals and five assists for seven points in his sophomore season.

In the classroom, Marino earned WCHA All-Academic team honors last season and was named a WCHA Scholar-Athlete. The Niagara Falls, Ontario native studies business administration.

"Kyle brings a presence every day to the gym and to the rink," Largen continued. "He is an effective leader when he is leading by his work ethic and holding others to the same high standards he holds for himself."

The Alaska Nanooks hockey team hosts their annual Blue vs. Gold scrimmage tonight (Saturday, Sept. 22) at the Patty Ice Arena with puck-drop slated for 7:07pm AKT.

Additionally, the Alaska Nanooks hockey team unofficially opens the 2018-19 season in exhibition action against Simon Fraser Clan on Saturday, Sept. 29 at the Carlson Center. Puck-drop is scheduled for 7:07pm AKT.

Furthermore, the Alaska Nanooks Ticketing Office will be hosting the Family 4-Pack deal for Saturday's game, which includes four general admission tickets, four hot dogs and four sodas for $50. There will also be a team autograph signing directly following the game.

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks hockey team, follow @NanooksHockey on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Hockey team page on Facebook.