FAIRBANKS – Alaska Nanooks head hockey coach Erik Largen has announced the addition of John McElaney to the Nanooks coaching staff as an assistant coach.
McElaney joins the Nanooks following one season as an assistant coach at Colby College, where he was responsible for leading the program's recruiting efforts, player evaluation and admissions coordination. He also developed video breakdowns and pre-scouts, ran individual and small-group skill development sessions and coached the defensive corps while assisting with in-game strategy and adjustments.
He brings a diverse hockey background to Fairbanks, including experience in coaching, player development, recruiting, hockey operations and analytics. Prior to his time at Colby, he co-founded McElaney Hockey Skills, where he develops individualized player development plans and leads on-ice skill sessions for players ranging from youth and prep levels to junior, collegiate and professional hockey.
He also gained experience at the NHL level as a hockey operations intern with the Montreal Canadiens during the summer of 2023. In that role, McElaney worked with the team's leadership and scouting staff, crafted scouting reports, presented player evaluations, analyzed contract data and assisted with roster-building efforts. He also worked alongside the hockey analytics department using Sportlogiq to support player evaluation and attended the NHL Draft and Development Camp.
McElaney began his collegiate coaching career after completing his bachelor's degree at Colby College in 2024. He earned a bachelor's degree in sociology/economics and served as a two-year captain of the Colby men's hockey team. He earned All-NESCAC Second Team and NESCAC Winter All-Sportsmanship Team honors, while also being recognized as an AHCA Academic All-Star and NESCAC All-Academic Team selection.
Following his undergraduate career, McElaney continued his education at Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, earning a master's degree in management and entrepreneurial leadership in May 2025. He also played varsity hockey at Babson and earned NEHC Academic All-Conference honors.
"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join the Nanooks hockey program," McElaney said. "I want to sincerely thank Coach Erik Largen for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be part of such a special group. It is a privilege to work alongside Coach Largen, the rest of the coaching staff, and the student-athletes. I am excited to get to Fairbanks and do everything I can to contribute to the continued success of Nanooks hockey. It is clear this program has built a strong foundation and is deeply supported by both the University and the Fairbanks community. I am fired up to get to work!"
As an assistant coach at Alaska, McElaney will help direct the program's recruiting strategy, including prospect identification, evaluation, and admissions coordination. He will also utilize Sportlogiq and video analysis for opponent pre-scouting, player evaluation and development while leading individual skill sessions and assisting with team practice design. He will work primarily with the Nanooks' forward group while assisting with bench management, game strategy and special teams.
The Boston, Massachusetts, native also served as captain of the Dexter Southfield varsity hockey and baseball teams and has volunteered with Team Impact, the Colby Student-Athlete Coalition, and the Veterans Affairs Medical Center. McElaney's hiring adds another experienced and versatile coach to Largen's staff as the Nanooks continue preparations for the 2026-27 season.
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