FAIRBANKS, AK - The University of Alaska Fairbanks hockey team will be without one of its top offensive threats for the rest of the season.
Sophomore center
Ryan McLeod (Fernie BC, Salmon Arm-BCHL) is set to sign a pro contract with an East Coast Hockey League team within the next 24 hours, and departs Fairbanks tonight to meet up with the respective team.
"The coaches and I talked it over and we decided that things with school and hockey just weren't the right fit for me anymore," said McLeod. "I'm ready to start my pro career and my parents and the coaches are fully supportive."
"I've really enjoyed my UAF experience, especially because of the community, the coaching staff and all the guys, I wish them the best of luck the rest of the season, and I hope to see them all again in the future."
McLeod led the Nanooks in scoring through the first half of the season, compiling two goals and 12 assists in 14 games. In his career he played 49 games and had 17 goals and 22 assists good for 39 points.
While at UAF McLeod's accolades included being named to the CCHA Super Six All-Tournament Team in March of 2005, and he also set a Central Collegiate Hockey Association record for fastest goal scored and fastest back-to-back goals in a 6-3 win during the first round of playoffs last season against Bowling Green.
"Ryan is a great kid and has been an outstanding hockey player for us," said UAF head coach
Tavis MacMillan. "He has a bright future ahead of him and he'll always be a part of this program. We will miss him dearly."
The timing of McLeod's departure is taxing with the final two Governor's Cup games this weekend and the Nanooks fifth Cup title on the line, however head coach Tavis MacMillan is supportive and respectful of his decision and is optimistic about the team's well being without him in the lineup.
"Our team has had to face adversity before," added MacMillan. "We lost Jordan Hendry last year and it does hurt when you lose a player of that caliber. With Ryan out of the lineup we'll be looking for others to step up, just as the team did last year with Jordan being out."
UAF will host intra-state rival Alaska Anchorage for the final two games of the Alaska Airlines Governor's Cup this weekend at the Carlson Center. Friday's game will start at 7:05 p.m. and the New Year's Eve contest will start when the first puck drops at 5:05 p.m.
The UAF Ticket office is closed this week due to the holidays, but tickets for the Governor's Cup games can be purchased at the Carlson Center, Fred Meyer and online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 456-4800.
- UAF HOCKEY-
