By Avery Williamson
Fourteen new players joined the Seawolves for the 2024-25 season. Fans, here’s what you need to know about the second group.
Ethan Warrener, #2
Ethan Warrener is a freshman defenseman from Calgary, Alberta. Before coming to UAA, he played three seasons (2021-24) for the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL).
Committing to UAA was an easy choice for Ethan. “I thought it was a great opportunity for hockey and school,” he said.
“The team culture is something that I felt like I could be a part of and that matched the needs and personal beliefs I have.”
He also couldn’t say no to living in Anchorage. “Not many people get a chance to live in Alaska and I had to take advantage of my opportunity to do so.”
So far, Ethan has nothing but good things to say about UAA. “I’ve really enjoyed the team. We have a great group of guys this year,” he said.
Ethan started playing hockey when he was two years old. “I don’t know if I actually had a choice,” he joked. “My uncle played in the NHL (Rhett Warrener) when I was younger so I grew up watching him. It was always in our blood.”
From the travel to the home games, Ethan is pumped for the season. “Travel is going to be completely different for me, going from being in B.C. and bussing everywhere to flying. It’s going to be a whole new scenery traveling all across the country,” he said.
“I’m excited to play in front of Anchorage and prove that I have the talent to play at this level.”
Bryant Marks, #31
Goaltender Bryant Marks is joining UAA from Wasilla, Alaska. The freshman is majoring in kinesiology. Before coming to UAA, Bryant played one season (2023-24) for the Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL).
Playing in a Seawolf jersey has always been a dream for Bryant. “Growing up, I went to the games a lot and it was something I always looked forward to,” he said.
“As a young player, I wanted to be out there too. When the opportunity came, I felt like it was the right choice for me.”
Bryant began his hockey career when he was five years old. “I started out as a player but was rotated into goal and I really enjoyed doing it. I just stuck to it.”
He enjoys the pressure of being in the goal. “Some days you’re the hero, other days you’re not, but you’re always in the action,” he said.”
Growing up, playing at the college level was always Bryant’s dream. “I wasn’t sure I could really do it until junior or senior year of high school.”
After graduating, he joined the Brown Bears. “I then figured out through juniors that I could play at the next level.”
Growing up in the Anchorage area, Bryant has watched the Seawolves and Nanooks rivalry flourish. When asked what team he was most excited to play against this season, the answer was simple: “UAF. That’s the only right answer.”
Ryan Johnson, #16
Forward Ryan is the second Johnson on the team–joining his older brother Matt. The duo is originally from Calgary, Alberta.
Before coming to UAA, Ryan played 108 games for the New Mexico Ice Wolves (NAHL) from 2022-24. He was named the Ice Wolves MVP last season.
When he first came to Alaska, the wildlife took Ryan off-guard. “Our first day fishing, we had a few bear encounters. That was a shock.”
Ryan started playing hockey when he was two years old, saying, “it’s just a thing Canadians do.”
“Also, my dad and my brother did it, so I had to, too.”
During his second year with the Ice Wolves, Ryan realized he could make the jump to college hockey. “I took a pretty big step from high school to juniors,” he said. “Then, my second year went really well.”
This season, Ryan is excited to “play at a higher level with bigger competition.”
“Obviously, it’s cool to play with my brother, too. That’s a big thing for me.”
Dimitry Kebreau, #27
Freshman Dimitry Kebreau is a forward from Silver Spring, Maryland. Before joining the Seawolves, he played 184 games for the Maryland Black Bears (NAHL) from 2020-24. He said he chose UAA because “it was a good offer I just couldn’t pass on.”
Before coming to Alaska, Dimitry had never seen the mountains before. “In Maryland, we just have trees, a lot of trees,” he said.
“I had never seen mountains while just driving on the highway before.”
Another big shock for Dimitry has been the cold. “Wearing a winter jacket in August is a very new thing for me.”
Dimitry’s hockey career began when he was 11 years old. It wasn’t his first sport, though. “I watched a hockey game after my parents tried to put me in figure skating and I said ‘I think I’ve had enough of this.’ So, I switched my sport.”
As opposed to figure skating, Dimitry enjoys the competitiveness of hockey. “I also like the barbaric side of things,” he said.
This season, Dimitry hopes to take down in-state rivals UAF. “We’re winning the Governor’s Cup,” he said.
Dylan Contreras, #11
Forward Dylan Contreras is joining the pack from Yorba Linda, California. Though he’s from the Golden State, the freshman is familiar with Alaska as he played for the Kenai River Brown Bears (NAHL) last season.
His first time being in Alaska was in October of last year. “Everyone was still wearing shorts and shirts while I was freezing with two coats on and I looked like a psychopath.”
Despite the cold, Dylan fell in love with Alaska. “I love the scenery and the environment,” he said. “I couldn’t imagine anywhere else to go.”
Dylan started playing roller hockey when he was three years old. A few years later, his dad took him to an ice rink. “I saw a bunch of people skating,” he said.
“I was really intrigued that you don’t always walk places and I fell in love with it.” He then transitioned to ice hockey.
Despite being the smallest guy on the rink growing up, Dylan kept playing. “I know I’m still very undersized, but I realized the passion I have for hockey is way too much to hold me back.”
So far, Dylan’s favorite part of UAA is living with his teammates. “I was very fortunate to get such a great group of guys and get to live with them (Tyler Kristov, Nolan Gagnon and, Dimitry Kebreau),” he said.