FAIRBANKS - The Nanooks' Tyler Shea, a fifth-year goalie from Stevenson Ranch, Calif., was named the October 2026 NCAA Division I Independent Hockey Goalie of the Month. 

Shea is in his first season with the Nanooks and made six starts in net this past month. He stopped 178 of 194 shots (.918) in October with a season-high 41 saves against Boston University in Fairbanks on opening night. He also added a 36-save effort at Michigan Tech. His first win as a Nanook came on Oct. 9 at No. 11/11 Boston College where he stopped 28 shots in the Nanooks' 3-2 upset victory over the Eagles. This is the first Independent honor for Tyler Shea since transferring to the Nanooks after three years at Brown. Mason Vaccari of Stonehill was named the Independent Hockey Honorable Mention Goalie of the Month.

Head coach Erik Largen praised the addition of Shea and the work he has put in during his short time with the Nanooks so far: "Tyler has been fantastic for us since joining our roster. He is not only an exceptional goaltender but a great fit into our family. We look forward to seeing his continued success as we progress through our season." In addition to Shea, Sixten Jennersjö of Long Island was named the Independent Player of the Month with two goals and nine assists in nine games for the Sharks. Chris Thibodeau of Lindenwood earned the Rookie of the Month honors and J.P. Steele of Alaska Anchorage and Luke Lepper of Stonehill were named Co-Defenders of the Month. 

October 2026 Independent Monthly Honors
Player of the Month: Sixten Jennersjö, Long Island University
Rookie of the Month: Chris Thibodeau, Lindenwood
Goalie of the Month: Tyler Shea, Alaska
Co-Defender of the Month: J.P. Steele, Alaska Anchorage
Co-Defender of the Month: Luke Lepper, Stonehill

The Nanooks take on Stonehill in a two-game series, beginning today at 3 p.m. and concluding tomorrow at 3 p.m. in North Easton, Mass. 

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