FAIRBANKS - Nanooks captain Jonny Sorenson has signed his first-career professional contract. The graduate signed with the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL on Tuesday, March 12 and appeared in his first-career game on Wednesday, March 13.

"It's great to see Jonny advance to professional hockey and fit in right away." said head coach Erik Largen, "Everyone from Nanook Nation is proud of him and rooting for his continued success."

Sorenson just completed his college career with the Nanooks after spending three seasons with the Minnesota Gophers before joining the Nanooks for two seasons (2022-24). In his time with Alaska, Sorenson appeared in 67 games, scoring 18 goals, dishing out 25 assists and scoring 43 points. His best year came in 2022-23 when he tied for the team-lead in points with 28 on 10 goals and 18 assists; all three were career-highs for Sorenson. That same year he posted a +14 as the Nanooks skated to a 22-10-2 record. This year, his fifth-year of NCAA play, he appeared in 33 of 34 games for the 'Nooks and put up 15 points on eight goals and seven assists as the Nanooks went 17-14-3. 

He was awarded the captain's 'C' and wore it alongside Harrison Israels in 2023-24.

He wrapped-up his career with 167 games played, 33 goals, 32 assists and 65 total points. He added seven power-play goals and two short-handed goals, all coming in the blue and gold, and posted one game-winner as a Nanook. 

In his first-career professional game, Sorenson tallied an assist 8:26 into the second period. Iowa went on to grab a 3-2 overtime win over the Wheeling Nailers. Sorenson will wear No. 92. 

The Heartlanders are the ECHL affiliate for the Iowa Wild (AHL) and Minnesota Wild (NHL).

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