Sports

Hockey notebook: Seawolves are morning people this semester

In 35 previous seasons of UAA hockey, the Seawolves practiced almost exclusively in the afternoon because that timing worked best with players' academic schedules, which were heavy on morning classes.

Times are changing, though.

When coach Matt Thomas and his staff last spring began putting together a spread sheet that tracked classes players intended to take this semester, they found many needed classes offered in the afternoon. The staff settled on morning practices this semester because those sessions created fewer academic conflicts.

And that's how the Seawolves ended up hitting the ice at their Wells Fargo Sports Complex rink Tuesday at 10:45 a.m.

So far, players and coaches like the new schedule. It isn't a dramatic change because the Seawolves often practiced in the morning last spring.

"It's nice because everyone will be here,'' said junior center Blake Tatchell. "You can do video, get in a full practice, lift (weights) afterward.

"We've already adjusted. You get up, get at 'er and get 'er done.''

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Sophomore winger Hudson Friesen said he feels more energized and focused practicing in the morning.

"You practice when your mind's fresh and your body's fresh,'' he said. "Having classes in the morning, sometimes you found yourself a little mentally drained when you got to practice.''

Thomas, the second-year coach, is accustomed to morning practices. He came to UAA from pro hockey, where practices are traditionally held in the morning – the Alaska Aces, for instance, practiced at 10:30 a.m. last season. Thomas said he can focus on practice in the morning and handle administrative duties in the afternoon.

"This is the most ideal it can be,'' Thomas said.

Thomas said his staff first looked at what classes juniors and seniors needed to take to stay on track to graduate in four years, then tried to adjust underclassmen's schedules to find a block of time, ideally, when all players are available to practice.

The Seawolves in 2004-05 were one exception to the program's long history of afternoon practices. Corroded pipes in the refrigeration system at the Wells Fargo rink required nearly the entire season to repair, so UAA practiced all over town – Sullivan Arena, Dempsey Anderson Arena, Ben Boeke Arena – at various times of day.

Practice times for this edition of the Seawolves could change next semester, of course, depending on players' class schedules.

Number changes

Hubbs, who wore No. 39 as a freshman last season, has switched to No. 13.

He said his favorite number is 9, but Tatchell already has that. He was good friends with defenseman Quinn Sproule, who wore No. 13 until he graduated earlier this year, so he has some connection to No. 13. Hubbs said he's not superstitious, and besides, he was somewhat indifferent about No. 39.

"I just wanted to try something new, and 39 is kind of a goalie's number,'' Hubbs said.

Friesen, who wore No. 27 last season, now wears No. 19, which is a number he said he long wore earlier in his career. That number became available when winger Bobby Murphy of Anchorage transferred to Division III St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Getting healthy

Sophomore Tanner Dusyk sat out Tuesday's practice. Thomas said the forward is dealing with a lower-back injury.

Freshman forward Austin Azurdia skated for about half the practice, clad in a red jersey that lets teammates know not to hit him. Thomas said Azurdia is still recovering from a broken ankle suffered last spring.

Pick-a-seat session Thursday

The "Pick-A-Seat'' session for season ticket-holders is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday at Sullivan Arena.

A complementary lunch will be provided for fans whether they have pre-purchased season tickets or buy them at Thursday's event. Season ticket-holders are encouraged to bring a friend.

Tickets can also be purchased by calling the UAA ticket office at 786-1562. Season ticket-holders who cannot make Thursday's event can pick up their packages at the Alaska Airlines Center ticket office or at the Sept. 26 Green & Gold scrimmage at the Wells Fargo Sports Complex.

Youth teams needed for jersey raffle

Al Haugen, who is coordinating the UAA jersey raffle at home games this season, is looking for teams to sell raffle tickets at those games.

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Youth teams with at least 14 members, who are 11 or younger, can apply to reserve a home date. For more information, contact Haugen at alhaugen@gci.net

Reach reporter Doyle Woody at dwoody@alaskadispatch.com and check out his blog at adn.com/hockeyblog

Doyle Woody

Doyle Woody covered hockey and other sports for the Anchorage Daily News for 34 years.

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