By Avery Williamson
Fourteen new players joined the Seawolves for the 2024-25 season. Fans, here’s what you need to know about the third group.
Adam Parsons, #20
Adam Parsons is a freshman forward majoring in finance from Port Moody, British Columbia. Before UAA, he played three seasons for the Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) from 2021-24.
Adam said choosing UAA was “a no-brainer.”
“From the first conversation with the coaches, it was pretty easy to tell how involved they were with our development and how serious they took it,” he said.
So far, meeting the team has been his favorite part of the season. “The first day I came in, all the returning guys were super welcoming and that was definitely something that stood out in a positive way.”
Adam started playing hockey when he was four years old. “My dad played growing up and basically just put me into it too,” he said. “I fell in love right away.”
His goal was always to play in college, but it wasn’t until two years ago that that dream became a reality. “My second year of juniors I finally made that jump and started having some success,” he said. “I realized this could be an actual opportunity for me.”
Adam is most excited about the tough schedule this season. “We’re playing a bunch of really good teams and being able to beat those teams is a great opportunity.”
Will Schimek, #25
Defenseman Will Schimek is a fourth-year graduate student working toward a certificate in business analytics. Originally from Mendota Heights, Minnesota, Will played two seasons (2021-23) at Providence College before joining the pack.
Will chose UAA because he wanted to be part of a strong team. “It’s a really good opportunity to be part of a program that’s trending in the right direction,” he said.
When he was younger, Will and his family visited Denali National Park. So far, he hasn’t noticed a lot of differences between Alaska and Minnesota. “I’m sure the darkness will get to me eventually,” he said.
Will started playing hockey when he was five years old. “Neither of my parents played hockey but, growing up in Minnesota, everyone does it. I was playing soccer in the fall and all my teammates were playing hockey. I told my parents I didn’t want to be left out so they signed me up.”
He quickly began to enjoy hockey more than soccer. “When I was a little kid I couldn’t really sit still, so hockey was the right fit,” he said. “You’re constantly moving, there’s a lot of action, and it’s really exciting. There’s constantly things to think about.”
This season, Will is most excited for the “competitive schedule.”
“I think we’ll surprise some people.”
Logan Acheson, #10
Logan Acheson is a transfer from Bemidji State (CCHA). The junior defenseman, originally from Edmonton, Alberta, chose UAA because of its uniqueness. “It’s a cool spot and a great chance to be able to live in Alaska and play against a lot of top teams,” he said.
Logan started playing hockey when he was four years old. “My older brother was playing and we were just an athletic family,” he said. “My dad was also a referee so I was just always around it.”
While he played a few other sports growing up, hockey was always his favorite. “When I was a kid I just enjoyed being on the ice,” he said. “It’s a fast sport and it’s really skilled.”
Logan’s favorite part of the season so far has been “getting to know all the guys.”
He also enjoyed the team fishing trip to the Kenai River this summer when he caught a salmon.
This season, Logan is looking forward to another year of college sports. “I just want to enjoy that experience,” he said.
Tanner Edwards, #39
Forward Tanner Edwards from Anchorage rounds up the list of newcomers. The graduate student is a transfer from Minnesota State (CCHA). After playing three seasons there, Tanner decided to return to his hometown.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to come back here and play for my hometown,” he said. “I want to represent the Seawolf logo on my chest.”
Being in Minnesota from 2021-24, Tanner missed the Alaska mountains. “Living in the Midwest, there’s nothing to look at. It’s flat, there’s cornfields and wheat. There’s no scenery at all.”
Tanner said he’s “been playing hockey my whole life.”
“My dad (Jeff Edwards) played at UAA originally so I’ve had a hockey stick in my hand ever since I could walk.”
His favorite part of the season so far has been “getting to know all the boys.”
“We have a really great group in our locker room right now and I’m really looking forward to winning some hockey games with them,” he said.