FAIRBANKS – The Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics and the Hall of Fame Committee welcomed the Nanook Hall of Fame Class of 2026 during a luncheon Friday, Oct. 2, at Pike's Waterfront Lodge, celebrating the accomplishments, relationships, and lasting legacy of four outstanding additions to Alaska Nanooks athletics history.
Coaches, friends, family members, former student-athletes and longtime Nanook supporters gathered for an afternoon of laughter, rekindled friendships and heartfelt reflection. As familiar faces reunited outside the Binkley Room, conversations turned to memories of competing in Fairbanks, historic moments on the court, ice, and in the range, and the people who helped shape their experiences at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. More than a celebration of athletic achievement, the luncheon offered an opportunity to reconnect with old teammates, share stories from years past, and recognize the enduring bonds formed through Nanooks athletics.
Since its return last year, the Nanook Hall of Fame and its annual luncheon have continued to grow, with this year's event nearing a sellout.
"I can't say thank you enough to the community, Nanooks supporters, and family and friends who came out to celebrate our Class of 2026," said Nathan Pearsall, Sports Information Director and Hall of Fame chair. "After the continuation of the Hall of Fame last year, we have continued to grow this event, and look forward to hosting again next year."
Emcee Ken Vehmeier and Director of Athletics Brock Anundson opened the celebration by thanking the families, friends, alumni, table sponsors of SBS Retirement, Mt. McKinley Bank, the UAF Hockey Alumni Association, and Jordan Hendry, and supporters who gathered to honor the class. They recognized the lasting contributions of Jordan Hendry (hockey), Sagen Maddalena (rifle), Colton Parayko (hockey) and the 1972-73 men's basketball team, welcoming each into the Nanook Hall of Fame.
Aldean Kilbourn introduced and accepted the award on behalf of Colton Parayko, whose impact on Nanooks hockey extended well beyond his playing days in Fairbanks. Parayko established himself as one of the premier defensemen in program history, earning back-to-back WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors before beginning a professional career highlighted by a 2019 Stanley Cup championship with the St. Louis Blues. Despite reaching the highest levels of the sport, Parayko has maintained a strong connection to Fairbanks, regularly returning to host youth hockey camps and share his passion for the game with the next generation. While he could not be in attendance on Oct. 2, Parayko did send in a gracious thank you video that was played for everyone in attendance.
Quin Barnard followed by introducing the 1972-73 Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team, a group whose championship season helped put UAF basketball on the map. Known as the "Flying Nanooks," the team finished the regular season 18-7 before defeating Central Washington in a dramatic three-game series to capture the NAIA District 1 Championship, becoming the first championship team in University of Alaska history. Alaska secured the decisive 65-60 road victory after splitting the first two games, with Mike Lessley leading the way and Mark Beauchamp delivering key baskets and free throws down the stretch.
Led by head coach Al Svenningson, assistant coach Alan Silver and student manager Tony Louzao, the championship roster featured Mark Beauchamp, Bob Clarke, Bill Coonce, Vince Dooley, Kavik Hahn, Gary Hollier, Bart LeBon, Dick Lee, Mike Lessley, Al Shoats, Sam Thornton and Rick Weber. The junior varsity roster included Daniel Eagan, Robert Foster, Kavik Hahn, Arne Hatch, Gary Jackson, Michael Jackson, Mike Kelliher, Robert McAfee, Gary Seabolt, Ted Shield and Don Wilson.
The team's induction brought former teammates together decades after their historic season, rekindling friendships and renewing connections forged in Fairbanks. Alongside the student-athletes, former head coach Al Svenningson attended the luncheon, while Carol Silver represented her late husband, assistant coach Alan Silver, honoring his place in the team's championship history. Student-manager Tony Louzao was also in attendance.
Bob Clarke spoke on behalf of the team, reflecting on the friendships renewed and stories retold throughout the Hall of Fame process. A former point guard, Clarke likened his role as the team's nominator to distributing the ball once again as he helped bring his former teammates together. Opening a box of old UAF memorabilia also transported him back to his playing days, reminding him of the lasting memories and relationships formed during that season. The reunion underscored how the team's legacy extends beyond its championship, continuing through the people whose lives were shaped by their time together.
Ben Roth, a former Nanooks hockey player who now works alongside Hendry in Fairbanks, introduced the third inductee. During his four-year career from 2002-06, Jordan Hendry helped Alaska capture four Alaska Airlines Governor's Cup titles while establishing himself as a respected leader and dependable presence on the blue line. His professional career included a 2010 Stanley Cup championship with the Chicago Blackhawks, but his connection to Fairbanks has endured. Hendry regularly attends Nanooks games and alumni events and gives back to the local hockey community by coaching youth teams through Hockey Club Fairbanks, sharing the lessons and passion that shaped his own playing career.
The final inductee, Nanooks rifle legend Sagen Maddalena, was introduced by Layne Lewis, a former Nanooks rifle student-athlete and head coach. Maddalena earned 12 All-American honors and qualified for four NCAA Rifle Championships during her collegiate career from 2014-18, establishing herself among the nation's elite collegiate shooters. Her success at Alaska helped lay the foundation for an extraordinary international career, becoming a two-time Olympian and earning a silver medal in the 50-meter rifle three-position event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She has continued to represent the United States among the world's best, earning medals at the World Championships, Pan American Games and other international competitions.
From a historic basketball championship that brought a community together to the continued connections formed through hockey and rifle, the Class of 2026 represented the many ways Nanooks athletics can leave a lasting mark. The luncheon celebrated not only what these athletes and teams accomplished, but also the friendships, shared experiences and enduring ties to Fairbanks that continue to bring the Nanook community together.
Follow the 'Nooks
IG - @AlaskaNanooks
X - @AlaskaNanooks
FB - Alaska Nanooks Athletics
