Ryan Theros enters his second season as an assistant coach with Alaska Nanook hockey in 2026-27 after joining head coach Erik Largen’s staff in 2025. Theros brings extensive coaching and player development experience, along with deep ties to the Fairbanks hockey community, having spent the previous two seasons as head coach of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs in the North American Hockey League (NAHL).
During his two seasons with the Ice Dogs, Theros compiled a 59-46 regular-season record and led the team to a 37-16 mark in 2024-25. He guided Fairbanks back to the Robertson Cup Playoffs, where the Ice Dogs advanced to the division semifinals. Before returning to Fairbanks, Theros served as head coach and general manager of the Yellowstone Quake in the NA3HL for three seasons, recording a 129-23-5 record.
Theros began his coaching career in 2010 with Holy Family Catholic High School before moving to the NA3HL in 2015. He joined the Waterloo Black Hawks of the United States Hockey League as an assistant coach in 2018-19 before spending two seasons with the NAHL’s Lone Star Brahmas as associate head coach and director of player personnel. His coaching experience also includes stops with the University of Minnesota and a return to Yellowstone before taking over the Ice Dogs in 2023.
A native of Two Harbors, Minnesota, Theros played collegiate hockey at Northland College from 2003-06. A two-way defenseman and forward, he appeared in 34 games and recorded five goals during his NCAA Division III career.
With Alaska, Theros brings a focus on player development, team building and mentorship as he helps guide Nanook student-athletes on and off the ice.
