The Alaska Nanooks hockey team hosts the University of Mary and Mount Royal University for a pair of exhibition games at the Carlson Center on September 25 and September 26, 2026. Both contests feature a 7:07 p.m. puck drop as head coach Erik Largen evaluates a heavily reloaded roster featuring 16 newcomers.
Fantasy & Market Impact
- Goaltending Battles: Brown transfer Tyler Shea enters the system fresh off a shutout in the annual Blue/Gold scrimmage, establishing an early narrative in the crease rotation.
A New-Look Roster Takes Shape on the Fairbanks Ice
Entering the 2026-27 campaign, the Nanooks roster underwent a dramatic structural overhaul. Head coach Erik Largen welcomes 16 new faces to Fairbanks, balancing eight incoming freshmen with eight collegiate transfers looking to make an immediate impact at the NCAA level. The transfer class injects proven experience from across the college hockey program, including forwards Dominik Bartecko and Lukas Klemm from Mercyhurst, Joseph Serpa, and Jack Rogers from St. Cloud State. Defensively, Max Rud arrives from Minnesota, while Tyler Shea steps into the goaltending mix after transferring from Brown.
The influx of youth is equally striking. Local Fairbanks product Simon Binkley highlights a freshman class that features Canadian juniors Linden Burrett, Sam Elliott, and Seth Fryer. The team’s depth was on display during the annual Blue/Gold scrimmage at the Patty Ice Arena, where the Gold Team rolled to a 4-0 victory and Tyler Shea slammed the door shut for a clean sheet.
Bench and Tactical Additions
Behind the bench, the Nanooks added crucial tactical expertise this offseason with the hiring of assistant coach John McElaney. Arriving in Fairbanks after a single season at Colby College where he managed recruiting, video breakdowns, and defensive corps development, McElaney brings modern analytical frameworks to the program. Under Largen's guidance, McElaney will direct recruitment strategy while using video analysis and Sportlogiq for opponent pre-scouting, player evaluation, and special teams coordination.
Largen enters his ninth campaign at the helm following a solid 15-15-3 campaign a year ago. The squad excelled on home ice with a 7-4-1 mark at the Carlson Center and capitalized on neutral ice during tournament play, capturing the Adirondack Winter Invitational title and the inaugural United Collegiate Hockey Cup. Captain Chase Dafoe returns to lead the group after netting the decisive overtime winner in last year’s UCHC final against Lindenwood, alongside another successful defense of the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup.
Exhibition Slate and Community Traditions
The weekend series opens Friday, Sept. 25, against UMary, followed by a Saturday, Sept. 26 tilt against Mount Royal University. Both games get underway at 7:07 p.m. at the Carlson Center. The opening night also marks a community initiative in partnership with the Fairbanks Community Food Bank, offering free admission to any fan who brings four non-perishable food items to the arena. Saturday shifts focus to the youth hockey community with Junior Nooks Night, welcoming children aged 12 and under to the venue for free.
| Category | Metric / Detail |
|---|---|
| 2025-26 Record | 15-15-3 |
| Home Record (Carlson Center) | 7-4-1 |
| Neutral Site Record | 3-0-1 |
| Newcomers for 2026-27 | 16 (8 Freshmen, 8 Transfers) |
| Head Coach | Erik Largen (9th Season) |
Looking Ahead to Hall of Fame Weekend
As the Nanooks face their opening exhibition games, the organization is also preparing to honor two foundational alumni. Former defensemen and team captains Jordan Hendry and Colton Parayko will be enshrined in the Nanook Hall of Fame on Friday, Oct. 2. Hendry’s decorated four-year career from 2002 to 2006 included four Governor’s Cup titles and 36 points across 112 games. Bridging the gap from early program milestones to modern collegiate success, these weekend exhibitions serve as the launchpad for another grueling, high-stakes hockey winter in Fairbanks.
Disclaimer: The fantasy and market insights provided are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial or betting advice.
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