Break out the face paint; it’s Kendall Hockey Classic time

The puck is about to drop on another season of Seawolf Hockey when UAA hosts the Kendall Hockey Classic Oct. 10-11. Last year, UAA's first under Head Coach Matt Thomas, the Seawolves defeated Air Force to become the Kendall Classic champs. They're looking to defend their title this year, and, according to sophomores Chase Van Allen and Brad Duwe, they feel the pressure. What they would love is a packed Sullivan Arena; it could be just the boost they need for a repeat performance.

"It's motivational not seeing those empty orange and yellow seats," said Duwe. The Seawolves may look focused on the ice-of course they are-but they also have an eye and ear on the crowd. Hearing cheers and seeing green and gold fans is especially meaningful for Van Allen and Duwe, both Alaska boys who have been playing hockey in The Last Frontier since they could stand up on the ice.

"My first time on skates? I think I was four," said Van Allen, an Anchoragite. Duwe, from Soldotna, remembers the exact day. "I was 18 months old. It was Halloween Day and our lake had frozen over," he said with a grin.

For both Van Allen and Duwe, hockey was a family affair. Asked who their biggest fans are, both are quick to answer.

"I'd have to say my parents," said Duwe. When he joined an Anchorage league as a young teen, his parents drove him from Soldotna to practice in the big city 3-4 times per week.

"My parents are my biggest fans," said Van Allen. "It's a lot of money and sacrifice on their part. On all our parts. You can't really go on any vacations because, growing up, you're spending money for hockey. I can't thank them enough."

Although those #1 fan spots have been clinched by parents, there's still room for you to make the Top 100 list!

How to be an awesome hockey fan in three easy steps

Step One: Buy your Kendall Hockey Classic tickets. UAA students attend for free and there are great discounts on single-game tickets for alumni, faculty/staff, seniors (60+) and youth. Here are the details. Or, if you want to achieve Super Fan status, buy season tickets!

"If we could try and pack the place, that would be great," said Van Allen.

Step Two: Show you're a part of Seawolf Nation and wear your green and gold.

"We have some great student fans that paint up for games," said Duwe.

Step Three: Don't be afraid to throw just a little shade at the opposing team. Van Allen and Duwe remember a game against Ferris State last year where the Bulldog fans pulled a "Mystery, Alaska" on them, completely ignoring the Seawolves as they skated onto the ice, holding up newspapers and acting bored until the Bulldogs came out. That's when they threw down the newspapers and went wild. (If you haven't seen the classic hockey film Mystery, Alaska, stop what you're doing and go find a copy. Very instructive. Also, you get to see what Hollywood thinks Alaska looks like.)

"We definitely have some of those fans," said Duwe. "And we notice them. There are these six guys that sit in the top row. I love 'em. They're hilarious."

How do you prepare to face a Big 10 Tournament champion?

At this year's Kendall Hockey Classic, it's set to be all claws and teeth on the ice as the Seawolves and the Nanooks (UAF) face the Black Bears (University of Maine) and the Badgers (University of Wisconsin-Madison), who bested all their rivals in the Big 10 conference last year to become tournament champs.

"Right now we're focusing on what makes us click as a team, focusing on our systems, making sure we're doing the right things on our part that will make us successful," said Van Allen. "Then we'll start gearing up for the specific teams we'll be facing. Right now it's all about us as a team and getting ready for what we have ahead."

Coach Thomas urges the team to take it day by day, and the Seawolves stay motivated by great coaches, fan support and big dreams.

"We always have that end goal in sight-The Frozen Four-that's what we work for, but like coach says, we have to take it one game at a time," said Duwe. "We can't skip steps. We have to keep working hard every day."

So, you do your Step 1 (see above) and they'll tackle their Step 1, tough competition at the Kendall Hockey Classic.

"Come support your boys!" urged Duwe.

Written by Jamie Gonzales, UAA Office of University Advancement