By Sycely Wheeles
The sense of family within Alaska’s hockey scene stands out as a defining aspect of the state’s relationship with its university teams,. The strong fanbase of Seawolf hockey is no stranger to that. Whether you grew up in the Last Frontier or you’re new to the state, it’s an environment worth celebrating.
Defenseman Joey Potter, now in his second season with UAA, remembers being immediately introduced to the warmth of Alaska’s hockey community upon being traded to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs junior hockey team in 2022.
Defenseman Joey Potter
“I found that playing here, you’re detached from the lower 48, the community’s even smaller, and everybody knows each other,” said Potter. “If you didn’t play with a guy, you played with his brother, you played with his friends, so it’s an incredibly tight-knit community, which is pretty special.”
The Seawolves are in their first stretch of away games this season, wrapping up the first of six straight series on the road. While Anchorage will have to wait until December to watch the team back at the AVIS Alaska Sports Complex, community support for the Seawolves remains strong.
For decades, UAA has been a large part of Alaskan sports, showing the people of Anchorage what their hometown university is all about. Both fans and players say the Seawolf Hockey program puts a lot of effort into keeping that strong bond with the community. Already this year, the team has hosted multiple family-oriented events, such as game night at Dave and Buster’s, and recurring Skate with the Seawolves opportunities. In addition to working with local learn-to-skate programs, the team also has partnered with Special Olympics, assisting in the annual golf and bocce ball tournaments.
Captain Conor Cole talks with a young skater during Skate with the Seawolves in September.
To many of the players, the most special part of connecting with the community is the interactions with kids, especially young players. Forward Judah Makway appreciates “how much it means to the little guys.” Makway comes to UAA for his first year of college hockey, previously hailing from the small Canadian town of Trail, B.C.
“I remember when I was a kid, it was insane for me; I liked looking up to the older guys, so it’s cool to see how much they look up to us and how it just means a lot to them. It’s nice that we do a lot of that for the community,” said Makway.
In the midst of an 11-day road trip, UAA next faces off against Denver University. Although distance significantly limits Alaskan fans’ attendance, it is still possible for their cheers to be heard from afar. Anchorage’s C Street location of Buffalo Wild Wings will continue to host viewing parties for all away games, an opportunity open to any UAA fans. For those unable to attend, players say another viable option is following along their journey via social media. Seawolf 5th Line’s online presence spans several platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
“It’s tough, especially going these long stretches without a home game,” Potter said. “I would tell fans the same thing we do- take it one day at a time, one game at a time.”