FAIRBANKS - The Alaska Nanooks Department of Athletics and the Nanook Hall of Fame Committee have announced the four inductees for the Class of 2026.
Three former student-athletes and one historic team were selected and will be enshrined on Oct. 2, 2026 at Pike's Lodge during the Hall of Fame Luncheon. Tickets for the 2026 Hall of Fame Luncheon will be released next Monday, along with additional information.
The Nanook Hall of Fame Class of 2026 is: Jordan Hendry (Hockey), Sagen Maddalena (Rifle), Colton Parayko (Hockey), and the 1972-73 Men's Basketball Team.
Jordan Hendry, Hockey
Defenseman, 2002-06
Jordan Hendry made a lasting impact on Alaska Nanooks hockey during his four-year career from 2002-06, helping the Nanooks capture four Alaska Airlines Governor's Cup titles while becoming a key leader on the Nanooks blue line. Hendry appeared in 112 games during his career, recording 36 points on 11 goals and 25 assists. He earned the Doug Desourcie Top Rookie award in 2003 and was named the Shawn Chambers Best Defenseman in 2006. Hendry served as an assistant captain during his final two seasons.
Following his Alaska career, Hendry went on to a nine-year professional career that included 131 NHL games with the Chicago Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks, along with 263 AHL games. In 2010, he helped the Chicago Blackhawks capture the Stanley Cup.
Hendry has remained connected to the Nanooks and the Fairbanks hockey community since his playing days, continuing to support UAF hockey and giving back to the sport through coaching youth hockey with Hockey Club Fairbanks.
Sagen Maddalena, Rifle
2014-18
Sagen Maddalena established herself as one of the most accomplished rifle athletes in Alaska Nanooks history during her collegiate career, earning 12 All-American honors and qualifying for the NCAA Rifle Championships four times. She was a two-time Alaska Rifle Scholar-Athlete of the Year and was named Alaska Rifle's Most Outstanding Female Athlete. Maddalena recorded career bests of 599 in air rifle and 591 in smallbore during her time with Alaska.
Following her Nanooks career, Maddalena continued to rise on the international stage as a member of the USA National Team. A two-time Olympian, she finished fifth in the 50-meter 3-Position event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics before earning a silver medal in the event at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Maddalena has also captured world and Pan American championship medals, including gold at the 2023 ISSF World Championships in team competition and gold in air rifle at the 2023 Pan American Games. She has represented the United States at numerous World Cups and international competitions while earning national championships and setting world and Olympic records.
From her 12 All-American honors at Alaska to an Olympic silver medal and continued success on the world stage, Maddalena's career represents excellence at the highest levels of collegiate and international rifle.
Colton Parayko, Hockey
Defenseman, 2012-15
Colton Parayko established himself as one of the most dominant defensemen in Alaska Nanooks hockey history during his three-year career from 2012-15. Parayko appeared in 104 games at Alaska, recording 66 points on 17 goals and 49 assists while posting a career-best +16 rating. He served as an assistant captain in 2013-14 before being named captain as a senior in 2014-15.
Parayko was twice named the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year and earned WCHA First All-Star Team and NCAA West Second All-American honors in both 2014 and 2015. He was also a two-time recipient of UAF's Shawn Chambers Best Defenseman award and earned numerous team honors, including the 2015 Chad Staley Team Player Award.
Following his Nanooks career, Parayko quickly established himself in the NHL, earning All-Rookie Team honors in 2015-16 and becoming a key member of the St. Louis Blues. In 2019, he helped the Blues capture the Stanley Cup. Parayko has continued to represent Canada internationally, earning World Championship honors and a silver medal at the 2026 Olympics.
Parayko's impact on hockey in Fairbanks has extended well beyond his playing career. He regularly returns to host the Colton Parayko Hockey Camp at Patty Ice Arena, working with young players of all ages and skill levels while giving back to the community that helped shape his career.
1972-73 Men's Basketball Team
The 1972-73 Alaska Nanooks men's basketball team put Nanooks basketball on the map, becoming the first championship team in University of Alaska history. The "Flying Nanooks" finished the regular season 18-7 before defeating Central Washington in a dramatic three-game series to capture the NAIA District 1 Championship and secure the first district title in program history.
The Nanooks began the season 3-3 at home but went on to win 12 of their final 15 games in Fairbanks, building a strong connection with a community that packed the Patty Center throughout the season. On the road, Alaska established itself as one of the nation's most traveled teams, earning victories over Chico State, Macalester, Lewis & Clark, St. Martin's, Pacific Lutheran, British Columbia and Simon Fraser.
The district championship series provided the defining moments of the season. Alaska opened with a 67-65 victory over Central Washington in a packed Patty Center before traveling to Ellensburg, where the Wildcats evened the series. Central had dominated District 1 for years and had not lost at home during the season, but the Nanooks responded with an 85-60 victory in the decisive third game to claim the championship. Mike Lessley led Alaska with 22 points, while Mark Beauchamp delivered the decisive basket and clutch free throws down the stretch.
Lessley earned All-District honors after averaging more than 20 points per game, while Dick Lee and Beauchamp received honorable mention recognition. Head coach Al Svenningson was named District 1 Coach of the Year. The Nanooks finished the season 20-8 and advanced to a one-game playoff against Eastern Montana for a berth in the NAIA National Tournament.
Beyond the historic championship, the 1972-73 team established a standard of excellence that helped shape the future of Alaska Nanooks basketball. Its players and coaches went on to make meaningful contributions in their communities through coaching, education, business and public service, carrying the lessons and leadership developed during their time at Alaska.
The 1972-73 Nanooks were more than a successful basketball team — they were the group that started it all. As the first championship team in UAF history and a team that defeated a Central Washington program with a longstanding District 1 tradition, their place in Alaska Nanooks Athletics history is undeniable.
The Nanook Hall of Fame was established on January 9, 2008 to honor and preserve the memory of the men and women who, through their outstanding contributions both in intercollegiate athletics and community involvement, have brought honor and distinction to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. It exists to recognize not only outstanding contributions of student-athletes but the contributions of coaches, administrators, athletic staff, community members and others who, in a positive way, have promoted the mission of UAF and the Alaska Nanooks.
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