Go big or go home!

    November 20th, 2003- As the 2003 season is upon us, the Anchorage community will be without junior hockey once again. A lack of interest in Junior B hockey, along with a declining number of Northern Division teams and high travel costs has forced the Arctic Ice to go inactive in the Northern Pacific Hockey League for a third and final season. But there is hope at the end of the tunnel.

The Arctic Ice is seeking investors and sponsors in an attempt to enter the North American Hockey League for the 2004-2005 season. Plans are being made to place a team in Wasilla Alaska, which is about 30 minutes north of Anchorage. The city of Wasilla is currently building a new sports complex which will be ready for use in March 6th 2004, which will hopefully be the home of the newest team in the NAHL. This arena can seat approximately 2,500 people, and will be the most hockey oriented arena in Alaska.

The NAHL is a Junior "A" league, of which many Division 1 schools such as UAA and UAF recruit from. With the Fairbanks Ice Dogs playing in the NAHL Southern division, this addition will bring a rivalry not seen by Alaskans since UAA and UAF joined national collegiate leagues.

Junior Hockey is the pinnacle of the skill development program of USA Hockey.  It is available to male athletes who are 20 and under as of the 31st day or December during the season of competition.  The program is available to high school students and graduates who seek a greater or different challenge than that which might be available through their high school varsity or area midget teams. The principal purpose of this development program is to prepare the athlete for career advancement either in a collegiate program or a professional opportunity.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, staff member, player or volunteer, please contact GM Brian Leigh at bleigh@alaskaarcticice.com or call the Arctic Ice at (907) 929-4233.