2009-2010 Senior Tribute

Seven players comprise the 2009-2010 UAA Seawolves senior class; Nils Backstrom, Kevin Clark, Trevor Hunt, Josh Lunden, Jon Olthuis, Ken Selby and Jared Tuton.  9 freshman arrived on campus in September of 2006 for their 4 year adventure in "The Greatland".  Alaskans refer to newcomers as "Cheechako" which simply means they haven't endured a winter here.  No doubt some things about the transition from their various homes to Anchorage were eye-opening.  

All 9 stuck it out through the first season then Ryan Berry transferred to Grant McEwan College back in Canada.  After a 3rd stellar season wearing green and gold, Paul Crowder signed a contract with the NY Rangers and since been doing well with the AHL Hartford Wolfpack.  In 63 games this season he has 11 goals and 10 assists.  It's a nice testament to their collective personal character that seven of the nine in the class made it through all 4 years.  I've enjoyed and am grateful to have witnessed the Division 1 careers of all these great young men.  I hope down the road they all find Anchorage, UAA and the time they spent in Alaska as key parts of their character.  They're all welcome to come back here and make this place their home. 

Nils Backstrom

Nils came to UAA as the last (and quite late) addition to the Seawolves freshman class.  As an 18 year old playing J20 Hockey in Sweden Nils was drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the 9th round.  Of all the freshman, we knew the least about him when he arrived.  He had decent looking numbers in Sweden, but what the hell did I know about Swedish junior hockey?  Pretty much nothing.

Scouting reports on Nils all agreed he was a good skater and the rest was a sort of mixed bag.  When he hit the ice at UAA it was clear that he indeed could skate very well.  As a freshman Nils tallied 1 goal and 9 assists in 33 games.  His first goal came against Mankato in November and was a game winner.  

My first solid observation about Nils was his ability to recover and dispossess opponents even though they had good position on the puck.  He has great hand/eye coordination and at speed can steal the puck whether he's in front of, beside or behind the opponent.  His speed and skating are his great equalizer and over time he has developed into one of the strongest stay-at-home defensive forces in the WCHA.

If there is a player that enjoys games more than Nils I haven't seen him.  But from my seat I can clearly see his big smiles and swaggering ways on the ice.  As a sophomore, Nils missed 16 games due to injury.  His 2nd career goal came against the same opponent as his first and he added 2 assists in the 16 games he played.

Nils began to blossom as a junior.  He scored 4 goals and added 4 assists.  But his physical play in his own end began to be more dominating.  If there was a crunching sound in the corner or along the boards, it was coming from another Backstrom hit.  

Nils is the most well-rounded defenseman on the team this season.  His defensive play has been outstanding.  I'm a critical observer of games but cannot recall mentally tagging him with the sorts of brutal errors that I've seen other D men make this season.  He is solid and dependable whether it's in front of or behind the net.  His first passes are accurate and crisp.  He always shows good hockey sense for being in the right place at the right time.  He doesn't lose many physical battles along the boards and has the strength to keep the crease clear.

I've loved having Nils here for the last 4 seasons.  I never worry when he's on the ice.  He will be missed on the team as much for his personality as his excellent play.  Going forward I'm not sure what to expect career wise.  I have little doubt that Nils could work his way into a ongoing slot as a dependable AHL level defenseman.  It wouldn't surprise me to find him finishing his hockey career in Sweden.  He has a very supportive family and after 4 years in the U.S., I think I'd want to go home.  

Thank you Nils, for bringing your on-ice ebullience and skills to UAA for 4 seasons.  You've enriched my experience as a fan watching you develop and turn into solid defensive force.  Both Olaf and I still think that you should shoot the puck more though.  Put a couple in versus Wisconsin this weekend, ok?  Best of luck in all your future endeavors Nils.  We'll all miss you.

Kevin Clark

Kevin came to UAA as a highly anticipated prospect.  At only 18 years old he had already accomplished quite a bit in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League.  He lead his team in goals, points and penalty minutes was an All-Star and led the South Blues to the league title.

I'm still sort of bothered that the MJHL punked Kevin for the MVP award that year.  The winner of the award went onto a 3 game career at Maine.  Clarky went onto to lead the WCHA in goal scoring in his 4th season.  I sure hope the same people that were doing the voting back then aren't doing it now.  It was a travesty.

Let me just say this before I get too far along.  Kevin is the most dynamic and talented Seawolves player since Dean Larson.  "The" is the keyword there.  Nobody since Lars has had the talent and abilities of Clark.  Nobody (i.e... not Glencross).  Like Glencross, Kevin has shown the ability to put this team on his shoulders at times.  During the 2nd half of this season he has been nothing less than scorching hot, on fire, burning up the rink fantastic.

In scouting terms he is quick, dynamic and gritty.  He has superb puck handling skills and the ability to make a glorious passes from difficult positions.  He sees the ice as well as anyone and has the quickness, creativity and determination to turn a lackluster play into a goal at any time.  The more a coach believes in this guy the more he will accomplish in his hockey career.

Perhaps my favorite story about Kevin is that prior to his first game, UAA Athletic Department folks spent quite some time ensuring that his mom would be able to see his debut via the Internet stream.  His play in preseason had impressed enough that he earned a start in the first regular season game.  But just 11 seconds into the game against Merrimack he flew deep into the offensive corner and pasted a guy onto the boards.  He got a 5 minute major for checking from behind and a game misconduct.  Welcome to WCHA refereeing.  No doubt it isn't his mom's favorite story, but for me it really displays exactly the sort of intensity with which Kevin plays.

With just two guaranteed games remaining Kevin sits at 51 goals for his career.  I don't believe for a second that 51 will be his final career number.  Kevin will leave a big hole for both fans and the team at the conclusion of the season.  As for his future, I think he finishes his hockey career in the NHL at some point.  

There's nothing certain with hockey careers.  He'll have to prove he plays bigger than his 5'10" frame.  But at 22 years old he has plenty of time to do so.  To get to the show, he'll need an AHL coach who believes in him and will help him develop his two-way game.  His role at UAA has never been geared to being a two-way player.  With some focus on that area over time, I can see Kevin impressing someone enough to get that chance in the NHL.  And in time he will become productive there.

Make some more noise this weekend Kevin.  Show these rubes in Wisconsin what a kid from Winnipeg can do with the puck when he wants to.  Undress a couple of highly drafted defensemen and pop a few into the net ok?  It's going to be hard for us fans to show up to the UAA rink next season and not get our Clarky fix.  But we'll be pulling for your success at the next level and above.  Best of luck with everything Kevin.  There's nary a UAA fan that doesn't believe in your future success.

Trevor Hunt

Trevor Hunt came to UAA from Chilliwack in the BCHL where he was a teammate of Josh Lunden.  In his final year of junior hockey he finished 3rd amongst all BCHL defensemen in scoring.  He left Chilliwack with the reputation for being one of the toughest guys they ever had play for them.

To be fully honest, I think Trevor's offensive abilities have been underutilized here at UAA.  As a freshman he played in 15 games and picked up 3 assists.  His progress during the season earned him a spot in the lineup for all three playoff games versus Minnesota in his first season.

As a sophomore, Trevor dressed for 24 games and lead the team in plus/minus at +4 for the season.  He began to show his physical toughness throughout the year.  He can dish out punishment along the boards and is adept at open ice hitting including the ability to throw a quality hip-check here and there.  

Trevor has been very responsible in his own end over the last two years of his career.  As a junior he dressed for every game and scored 4 goals while adding 8 assists.  He was able to do so because he is excellent in the offensive end with the puck on his stick.  He puckhandles like a forward, is shifty and sees his teammates well.  In my opinion, he should have earned a permanent power play spot on the blueline.

As I already mentioned Trevor can be very dynamic with the puck on his stick in the offensive end but he adds the ability to rush the puck with excellent speed.  He is gritty and tough as well and has shown himself to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to defending his teammates.

At 5'10" Trevor is the classic undersized defenseman in that sense.  But his strength at 190lbs is notable and gives him the ability to play the stay-at-home role when necessary.  He does not get pushed off the puck along the boards but instead wins the overwhelming majority of those battles.  He utilizes his strength and positioning in all areas defensively.

Kevin has been an excellent student here at UAA, earning WCHA All-Academic awards in two seasons.  He is a demi-expert at dorm room fishing.  Nice hat there T.  That video makes me wonder if Nick Haddad's goldfish ended up on the hook.  Living in Alaska Trevor has no doubt had ample opportunities at Salmon fishing.  Hopefully, he bagged plenty of them.

Going forward, I'd have to imagine that if Trevor wants to play professional hockey that he'll start in the ECHL.  Wherever that is count on him becoming a fan favorite.  I've no doubt he'll mix it up as required by his coach.  But on the flip side hopefully his coach will see the offensive abilities he clearly possesses.  If he gets into a good situation there's every reason to believe he could progress to the AHL and have a  productive career there.  The NHL seems unlikely for Trevor.  They just value size in their defensemen too much.

Best of luck to you in all your future plans Trevor.  My wish is that you end your UAA career with a bang.  Hopefully, that means WCHA Final Five.  If you get a chance this coming weekend versus Wisconsin to put the puck on the net.  Take the chance.  Better yet, make the chance eh?  We fans will miss your intensity and contributions here at UAA.

Josh Lunden

Josh came to UAA from the highest scoring line in the BCHL with Chilliwack.  He was the leagues fifth leading points scorer during the 05/06 regular season with 81 points.

In his freshman season at UAA, Josh finished 3rd on the team in scoring.  He was tied for the goals lead with 11 and added 9 assists.  He earned a WCHA Rookie of the Week nod after the Seawolves swept UND in November.  He had three multiple-point nights during the season and dressed in 31 games

As a sophomore Josh earned the MVP honor from his teammates with 13 goals and 14 assists to lead the team in scoring.  He was named the Nye Frontier Tournament Most Outstanding Player and earned WCHA Offensive Player of the Week honors one week in October and played in 36 games.

Josh continued his excellent offensive play during his junior year again scoring 14 goals in 34 games.  He had two game-winners that season and was named to the Kendall Hockey Classic All-Tournament team.

This season Josh has missed games due to an ongoing shoulder issue and has only dressed for 23 games.  His 8 goals and 9 assists though have proven to be key additions and are good enough for 4th overall on the team despite missing so many games.  

Josh is a classic Western-Canadian power winger.  He's got both speed and size as well as a knack for getting the puck to the front of the net.  He's skated much of his career on a line with Kevin Clark and knows where to be for a playmaker to find him.  He's always been excellent in front of the net.  He has an underrated shot with a decent release.  Josh is forceful in the Shyiak possession style game.  He is strong on the puck, keeps his feet moving and always looks for a scoring option.  

Josh returned from injury in February and has been fully in game shape for several weeks and producing.  If the Seawolves are to advance past this weekends playoff series versus Wisconsin, Josh will have to provide some scoring.  For his career he has 47 goals and 37 assists in 124 games.  I'm betting those won't be his final numbers.

For the future, Josh will almost certainly get a tryout and earn a spot with an AHL team.  He has the size and physical attributes to contribute at that level.  An NHL shot at some point is definitely not out of the question depending on circumstances and his own determination.

Best of luck to you Josh with all your future endeavors.  We'll be proud of you and follow your hockey career with great interest.  When that part of your life eventually does end, we hope you'll use your UAA education for success in life.  It's been great to watch you these past four years.  You've always been one of my favorite players.  Go out with a bang and help lead the Seawolves to the Final Five.

Jon Olthuis

Jonny O came to UAA as a big prairie raised farm boy from Neerlandia, Alberta.  He played his junior hockey though in the BCHL with Vernon going 30-14-2 in 48 games with a 2.85 goals against average .905 save percentage.

Jon is 6'4" and 200lbs.  In his first three season at UAA he played in 63 total games.  This season he has appeared between the pipes in 25 games.

The first thing you hear from anyone associated with the UAA hockey program (or indeed anyone familiar with it) when you mention Jonny O is what a great person he is.  Well, that's exactly what he'd need to be with the way the Seawolves have played in front of him at times.  

Unfortunately, Jon's story here can't be told in terms of statistics and numbers.  Those simply don't do him justice.  He's obviously a big guy but surprisingly he uses more of the typical mixed-style you see from goaltenders these days versus just being a stand-up Dryden style netminder.  

He has had more than a few great games for UAA in his time here.  As a freshman in his first collegiate start he saved 34 shots against rival UAF in a 1-1 tie.  He was in the net for UAA first win at World Arena in Colorado Springs and even got his first assist and earned WCHA Rookie of the Week honors for that effort.  In his sophomore season he was the first Seawolves player to every be named WCHA Scholar-Athlete and played in 32 games.  He went unbeaten in three games against UAF and set the record for most ties (8) by any goaltender in UAA history.  

A goaltender's path in professional hockey is the most arduous of any player.  What the hockey future holds for Jon Olthuis is definitely uncertain.  If he wants to continue to play he'll have to find a spot with an ECHL team and show an ability to put together decent numbers.  It will help if the ECHL team plays more defense in front of him than the Seawolves have.

In any case, I wish the best in all things for your future Jon.  It's clear to me in my conversations with folks here in Anchorage that you're one of the great ones in terms of personage that have come through our program.  It's been a pleasure to watch your grace and sportsmanship throughout some tough times in the net.  We fans sometimes expect more from our goalies than we ought to.  I know at times you gave us that and more.  No doubt you'll get the call this weekend and I imagine you're well up to the task.  Be big, be a wall.  The Seawolves don't need you stand on your head to beat the Badgers but if you do they will for sure.

Ken Selby

If there is a single collegiate hockey player that better epitomizes the role of a hardworking underdog than Ken Selby I sure don't know their name.  There is a guy like Selbs on virtually every team across Division 1.  It's the guy that turns up at every practice hoping the coach will see his value and put him in the lineup that week.  But week after week goes by and it doesn't happen.  But week after week guys like Ken Selby continue to turn up and give it their all.  He represents the best in sport.  Ken Selby (and other guys like him) are the John Stephen Ahkwari's of collegiate hockey.

As a freshman Ken skated in 12 games.  As a sophomore he only saw action in 8.  But in one of those he scored his first goal and I can still recall it clearly in my memory.  A bouncing puck at center ice took a favorable deflection off a Gopher thigh, Ken was able to quickly jump on it.  He carried it across the blueline, cut towards center and unleashed a wicked wrist shot to tie the game.

His only other goal in a Seawolves sweater came in Fairbanks versus Mercyhurst.  I don't remember that one but wish I did.  Ken played 23 games as a sophomore.  Mostly not because the coach thought he deserved it, but instead because other guys were injured.  This year he has only appeared in 12 games.

It's always been a bit of a mystery to me.  Here's a guy that scored 36 goals in junior hockey.  He was invited to the first CJAHL prospects game and was the fastest player there.  Natural wheels like that don't come to every hockey player.  When a guy like Ken has his development stunted by a coach who doesn't quite see his attributes it's a damn shame.  Such things happen at every level and aren't the exclusive domain of Dave Shyaik and his staff.  But allow me to be blunt here.  Had Ken Selby been given the opportunity to play the same number of games as a freshman as Mitch Bruijsten and Daniel Naslund have this season then perhaps his story at UAA wouldn't be so bitter.  

Here's a guy that could literally skate circles around either Naslund or Bruijsten yet he only sees action in 12 games during his senior season?  It's not right.  I'm not one to be openly critical of my program's coach.  Sure, over time ... I've given Dave Shyiak a bad mark or two.  But it's been rare.  I'm proud though that I started in here with the "Free Ken Selby" stuff.  I should admit here that back in December, I was honestly ready to shut down this blog because I didn't think he'd been given a fair chance.  I was that fed up.  I didn't do so because there were a bunch of other players who deserved to have something written about them as well.  I honestly will never accept Shyiak's treatment of Ken and will always view it bitterly.

Going forward, I hope Ken pursues hockey professionally.  Find yourself a tryout with an ECHL team Ken and show them your speed.  That alone ought to generate an opportunity to play when some coach sees your wheels.  If you do that and get the chance, then I hope you can find the net often enough to make Dave sorry he didn't play you more.

I understand that Ken is a good student and is majoring in justice.  Isn't that ironic?  I don't think he's gotten hockey justice here at UAA.  I'll miss the fact that he's not on the UAA squad next year.  I'm sure he won't miss sitting in the stands knowing he has more skills than kids that are playing.  

My deepest most heartfelt wishes to Ken Selby for success in his future.  I hope he has taken the lemons he's received here and made the sweetest lemonade ever with them.  Making the best out of a bad situation is never easy, but I know that when one does the rewards are great.  My hat is off to you Ken for your dedication to your teammates and to the program through what was surely a very trying part of your life.

Jared Tuton

Jared Tuton is a coaches dream.  From his first year in a Seawolves sweater until this day he has done everything asked of him and done it competently.  Jared has played defense and forward just about equally as a Seawolf.  At times, he provided physicality for the #1 offensive line.  At other times, he led the 3rd and 4th checking/energy lines.

When required he dropped back to defense and provided solid play on either side.  Jared is big enough, strong enough and skates well enough to fill any role and he has done exactly that over his 4 years since walking on.

He played 36 games as a freshman almost exclusively at forward and picked up 2 assists.  As a sophomore he split his time at various positions but still dressed for 36 games.  He scored his first career goal versus DU and tallied his only other goal that season versus Michigan Tech.  As a junior he scored his third goal of his career and his only one to come while playing as a blueliner.

Jared was named Captain for this season on the strength on his do whatever it takes attitude.  It is somewhat surprising that he has no goals and no assists this season.  But sometimes, the pressures of captaincy can moderate a players ability to score.  I've seen such a thing happen more than just with Jared.  Nevertheless, his leadership and stalwart play on defense has been admirable this season.

It's always worthy of mention when a guy goes from walk-on to captain in the WCHA.  It's quite an accomplishment when you think about it.  A player who's told, "Sure, show up ... we'd like to see what you've got." But then goes on to become the captain of the team?  Very nice.  Can't stress that enough.  Charlie Kronschnabel did the same thing at UAA.

Congrats of course to Jared on accomplishing that through his career at UAA.  It should be something he's proud of for the rest of his life.  Going forward it's hard to imagine that Jared wouldn't continue to be some new "coaches player" at the next level.  But it might not be the best thing career-wise.  Sure it'll earn him that coaches respect but at the next level turnover in coaching can be high.  I know Jared has like playing defense this season because his dad told me that.  I think though for the future he really should consider calling himself a forward.  

Over his UAA career, I think Jared did more positive things during a game as a forward to propel the team than he has done as a defenseman.  That isn't to say his defensive play hasn't been solid.  It has.  But his speed and size going forward creates things that just aren't going to come from being a stay-at-home blueliner.

Best of luck with whatever path you choose Jared.  I hope that your experiences at UAA help direct your life in successful ways.  Your leadership and willingness to fill whatever role are going to be missed next season.  Lead this years team to the Final Five with a couple of wins over Wisconsin this weekend!

_________________________

In other seasons I've traditionally posted this tribute just before Senior Night.  I wasn't able to this season and am sorry for that.  But in any case, best of luck to all 7 of these excellent young men on their new paths in life.  College is almost over and for that I'm sure there is some sadness.  But life is about to start and it's challenges leave little room to pine for your old college days.  Look back on them fondly.  We UAA hockey fans will remember your names for a long time to come.

Come back as alumni and participate in events eh?  Anchorage hopes you view it as your 2nd hometown.

And oh yeah ... Josh and Jonny?  It's time to get your own tie now for official pictures.