UAA 2026-27 The Insanity Continues

[AKSWF]

Big opportunity for a turnaround this season. Here is a write-up on 7 of the 16 newcomers.

2026 Freshman Focus: University of Alaska-Anchorage

A massive wave of freshmen descends upon Anchorage as a new coaching era begins.

thehockeynews.com

Looks like we are putting together a solid roster of scorers. I will be happy if we can upset some nationally ranked teams this year. Season cant come soon enough!

Some more classic UAA recruits coming in this year, scoring retention is a concern among lower level leagues. We need two more goaltenders, waiting till then to start making assumptions and our potential.

 

[AKSWF]

Podcast done by Adam Wodon from College Hockey News featuring head coach Eric Rud.

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I will listen on my way home and let you know my thoughts.

Edit: Summary/ First 10 minutes talk about Rud's time coaching and playing, including time on the 1996 Colorado College Championship run, coaching under Bob Motzko/Brett Larson, and move up to Anchorage. Its a 54 hour drive from his home in St Cloud to Anchorage, and apparently he got a flat tire on the way up.

13 min; talks about scheduling, optimistic about recruiting and retaining.
"The administration that I talked to are really on board and care that hockey is a big part of the school identity" -Rud

17 min; talk about recruiting in the CHL and opportunities in recruiting. Rud predicts that higher level players will commit earlier to the major programs. Rud talked about the benefits of the proximity of Western Canada to Anchorage.

20 min; Schedule talk, opening against Denver at home and then traveling to Michigan. Talked about the importance of the Denver/UAA connection that was established. Wodon asked what percentage of games will be played at the Sullivan. Rud replied "We are working on that. For sure we will play there against Denver and Colorado College, and then two additional games. We have 6 slated there currently" (I am assuming a series against UAF).

22 min; Wodon asked about the parity between schools that can recruit NHL talent, and those who cannot. Rud responded that he wants as much talent in the league, and now with the CHL changes you can look to alternative leagues. Its good to have more options, especially for guys who are overlooked, like in the BCHL.

24 min; Conversations continued surrounding his alma mater, Minnesota and coaching with Brett Larson. Rud said that they expect to continue scheduling Minnesota in the future.

Not much substance in this podcast. I expected more on current players, strategies for the year, and progress on forming a conference.

Yeah, I like his personality more after that interview but that's about it. Man if he could coax Lucia to be an assistant, we finally might get some change.