By Sycely Wheeles
Exhibition games against Mount Royal University (Alberta) and the University of Mary (N. Dakota) will be Anchorage’s first time seeing the new roster in action at their home rink, the AVIS Alaska Sports Center. Friday and Saturday’s matchups will show off the result of several intense weeks of preparation. It also introduces 15 new players to the longstanding Alaskan hockey community. A community which, to them, is not just spectators, but the true livelihood of the Seawolf experience.
Cooper Anderson, Defense, #7
Defender Cooper Anderson comes to the University of Alaska Anchorage from Elk River, Minnesota, looking forward to beginning his freshman year and college hockey career. For him, coming into the Alaska hockey community has been an experience he describes as “super positive.”
“Our program has a good history with a strong community around it,” said Anderson, who will wear jersey #7. “In the limited time I’ve been here, I can see how big hockey is in the community, and it’s easy to see how much they care about the team and us individually.”
The local community has been an essential part of UAA hockey’s success and longevity. After the program’s existence was threatened due to major budget cuts in 2021, fans, sponsors and supporters have made the last few seasons possible. Since then, millions of dollars were raised and countless hours have been spent on ensuring that Seawolf Hockey remains a thriving piece of the Anchorage community for years to come.
“I chose UAA for the opportunity to live out my dream of playing college hockey, all while playing in one of the most unique environments in the country,” said Anderson. “So far, everyone has been super welcoming and eager to help us feel at home.”
Also experiencing his first season of Alaskan hockey, Head Coach Eric Rud has noticed the incredible influence the fans have on the atmosphere both on and off the ice.
“I have talked to many people in the hockey community, and the thing that sticks out is the love of our sport and the pride that comes over people when they speak of players doing well in our Alaska hockey bubble,” said Coach Rud. “There are a lot of great hockey people in this area, and I look forward to getting to know and spending time with all of the people who have passion for our sport.”