Sports

UAA hockey staffer Thompson headed East

Steve Thompson, whose myriad tasks for the UAA hockey program included coaching goaltenders, directing hockey operations, handling video and helping with strength and conditioning training, is leaving to join a private goaltending company in Massachusetts.

Thompson, 26, an Anchorage native who played his college hockey at UAF, served on UAA head coach Matt Thomas' staff for two seasons. Thompson said Friday is his last day at UAA.

Thompson has joined Mike Buckley's GDS in Andover, Massachusetts, as an instructor. Buckley is the goalie development coach for the NHL's Pittsburgh Penguins.

"I'm actually going to be with him at the Pittsburgh Penguins (training) camp in September,'' Thompson said. "I'm really excited about that, to try to get my foot in the door professionally.''

Thompson said leaving UAA and Anchorage is "bittersweet,'' and he has the same butterflies he did when he left Anchorage at 16 to play for Belle Tire in Detroit.

"It's a risk, but I don't have anything holding me back,'' Thompson said. "I felt like it was a good time to take a risk.''

Thomas said he is searching for Thompson's replacement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Thompson said he plans to live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He'll be near his younger brother, Matt, who will be a senior forward at Division III Potsdam State in New York.

Thompson said he was thankful for the chance Thomas gave him with his first job after graduating from UAF with a degree in psychology.

"UAA was perfect for me because I was able to wear so many hats,'' Thompson said. "I'm grateful for that opportunity.''

The timing of Thompson's move isn't ideal – UAA players report to school Monday – but he said the move should aid his professional aim to become a goaltending coach.

Thompson said it was difficult to phone Seawolves sophomore goaltender Olivier Mantha with the news – Mantha was voted UAA's Most Valuable Player last season.

"I had to call Mantha and tell him – I felt like I was breaking up with my girlfriend,'' Thompson said with a laugh.

Thomas' staff has undergone several changes in the offseason. Assistant coach T.J. Jindra in the spring left the program after four seasons to pursue other opportunities. Long-time Alaska Aces assistant coach Louis Mass of Anchorage replaced Jindra in June.

Reach Doyle Woody at dwoody@alaskadispatch.com, check out his blog at adn.com/hockeyblog and follow him on Twitter at @JaromirBlagr

Doyle Woody

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

ADVERTISEMENT