Tag: Athletics

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It’s All About Family with Kevin Kuper and Doug Spooner (Ep. 12)

It’s All About Family with Kevin Kuper and Doug Spooner (Ep. 12)

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Whether you are a player or staff, no matter your position, at UAA, you’re family.

In this episode, David welcomes Doug Spooner and Kevin Kuper back on the podcast to share with listeners the progress they’ve made so far with the mentorship program. They explain why this program is so important to them and to the team’s future success.

David, Spooner, and Kup discuss: 

  • The milestones they have achieved since starting the mentorship program.
  • How a resume can make all the difference when starting your career.
  • Why its important for the players to get their foot in the door and how the program can help them do that.
  • And more

 

Connect with David: 

About Kevin: 

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Kuper attended UAA and shortly after became part of the Seawolf Hockey family working as the equipment manager from ‘86 to ‘91. This position gave him the opportunity to travel to Japan with the team and become a part of the brotherhood. 

 

Since his time at UAA, Kup has moved across the country to California. He’s started his own business working as a supply chain consultant helping businesses optimize their supply chain and operations. 

About Doug:

With a knack for the net like few others, Doug Spooner [1987-91] thrilled UAA fans for four seasons, tallying a near-record number of goals and helping UAA to back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.

Utilizing his solid frame and soft scoring touch, the Cache Creek, British Columbia, native was a staple of Seawolf teams that compiled four straight winning seasons, including 21- and 22-victory campaigns in 1989-90 and 1990-91. UAA’s 1987-88 Rookie of the Year, 1988-89 Leon Thompson Fan Favorite and 1990-91 team captain tallied 23 goals in both his sophomore and junior seasons, still tied for No. 6 on the all-time list.

Spooner’s 75 career goals left him just one shy of equaling the program record – a mark he likely would have topped had he not missed 13 games to injury as a senior. His 148 points and 73 assists both also rank in UAA’s career top 10 more than 20 years after his playing days, while his 50 points as a sophomore are still tied for 9th on the single-season list.

Playing on the same team – although often on different lines – with fellow Seawolf Hall-of-Famers Rob Conn, Dean Larson and Derek Donald, he was a vital part of the program’s first to NCAA Tournament teams in 1990 and 1991.

Spooner graduated in 1991 with a bachelor of arts in justice. He currently lives in League City, Texas.

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Balancing the Blades: Off-Ice Career Coaching With Kevin Kuper (Ep. 11)

Balancing the Blades: Off-Ice Career Coaching With Kevin Kuper (Ep. 11)

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Almost every hockey player has a dream of playing in the NHL, but as we all know, this dream doesn’t pan out for most players.

What do these players do now?

In this episode, David invites Kevin Kuper, lead on the Seawolf Hockey Alumni mentoring program, to talk about the future of the program and what progress has been made so far. They discuss the importance of exploring other career options before graduation.

David and Kevin discuss: 

  • Kuper’s experience as the equipment manager for the Seawolves from ‘86-’91
  • What the mentorship program was created for
  • Some of the things that players and alumni can expect from participating in the program
  • And more

Connect with David: 

Connect with Kevin Kuper:

About Kevin: 

Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Kuper attended UAA and shortly after became part of the Seawolf Hockey family working as the equipment manager from ‘86 to ‘91. This position gave him the opportunity to travel to Japan with the team and become a part of the brotherhood. 

Since his time at UAA, Kup has moved across the country to California. He’s started his own business working as a supply chain consultant helping businesses optimize their supply chain and operations. 

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Fate, Lily Pads, and Bonjovi With Mike Peluso (Ep. 10)

Fate, Lily Pads, and Bonjovi With Mike Peluso (Ep. 10)

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Have you ever thought about how one accident could change the course of your life?

Well this episode’s guest, Mike Peluso, knows all about that kind of fate…

In this episode, David welcomes UAA veteran, Mike Peluso, to the podcast to share with listeners how one wrong flight landed him in the Sea Wolf uniform. He takes us back to the 80s with a story from his team’s trip to Japan and more.

David and Mike discuss: 

  • Peluso’s late start in hockey, beginning his career in his senior year of high school
  • An iconic Sea Wolf rookie “hazing” ritual
  • How classic locker room shenanigans can’t be beat
  • And more

Connect with David: 

About Peluso: 

Mike Peluso, known as a slick defenseman when drafted in 1985 by the New Jersey Devils, played for the University of Alaska Anchorage until 1989. He signed as a free agent for the Chicago Blackhawks in 1989 and started his National Hockey League career in 1990.

He spent three years in Chicago before going to the new Ottawa Senators as the 21st pick in the 1992 NHL Expansion Draft. During his only season in Ottawa, he set the club record for most penalty minutes in a single season (318) but was allowed to play a more offensive role, scoring 15 goals along with 15 assists. Peluso became one of only three players in NHL history, and the most recent, to have accumulated 400 PIM or more in a single season.

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The Hockey Chat: Experiences from a Veteran Coach with Pete McEnaney and Coach Shasby (Ep. 9)

The Hockey Chat: Experiences from a Veteran Coach with Pete McEnaney and Coach Shasby (Ep. 9)

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It’s a good idea to chat with people who really know the sport and have experience with it, especially if they also know some of the same people as you.

In this episode, David Vallieres and Coach Shasby talk with Pete McEnaney about his extensive coaching career, personal life, and future plans.  Additionally, Pete shares his insights and experiences during his time on campus when he used to play hockey and reflects on the friendships formed during that time

David, Pete, and Coach Shasby discuss: 

  • The current state of the Seawolves hockey season, with the team coming off a long break and heading toward the final eight games against tough opponents
  • The upcoming facility upgrades and plans for a new arena
  • Pete’s 25 years of coaching hockey and his current work with Sysco Food Service for 26 years
  • Pete’s personal life, including being a single father with three children who are all doing well in their respective fields
  • Pete’s plans of retiring and coming back to hockey, supporting UAA Hockey
  • Pete’s favorite memories from his time at UAA, including playing with great players and working with talented coaches, and emphasizes the importance of the friendships he formed during his time on campus
  • And more!

Connect with David: 

Connect With Matt Shasby:

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Sharing Sentimental Hockey Stories with Coach Shasby, Todd “Betsy” Bethard and Chris “Wally” Davis (Ep. 8)

Sharing Sentimental Hockey Stories with Coach Shasby, Todd “Betsy” Bethard and Chris “Wally” Davis (Ep. 8)

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There’s nothing quite like getting together with old friends and remembering some of the best memories you have together.

That’s exactly what this episode is all about.

In this episode, David Vallieres chats with Coach Shasby, Todd Betsy, and Chris Davies to share updates surrounding the UAA’s most recent tournament, what each of them has done since graduating, and some of their favorite stories from their hockey days.

Todd, Chris, and Coach Shasby discuss: 

  • Updates about the UAA hockey league from their most recent tournament weekend
  • How some of the recent changes to the team could impact their 2023 season
  • What life has looked like since leaving the University of Alaska Anchorage for Todd a.k.a “Betsy”
  • Some sentimental stories from when they played for the Sea Wolves
  • And more

Resources:

Connect with David: 

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From Florida to Alaska With Kevin Murdoch (Ep. 7)

From Florida to Alaska With Kevin Murdoch (Ep. 7)

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Not many people make the 5000-mile trip for a job opportunity. But when the position involves the UAA Seawolves, it’s well worth it.

In this episode, David  Vallieres talks with Kevin Murdock, Seawolf’s assistant coach, to share his experience as a coach and how he ended up in Anchorage all the way from Florida.

Kevin discusses: 

  • The various team’s Coach Murdock has been involved with from Minnesota to Ohio to finally landing in Alaska
  • His roles and responsibilities on the Seawolf bench
  • Some team updates and results from the Governor’s Cup in December
  • And more

Connect With David: 

Connect With Kevin Murdock:

About Our Guest: 

Kevin Murdock joined the UAA staff as an assistant coach in the fall of 2021. Murdock came to UAA from the North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League where he served as the associate head coach and general manager.

Murdock first joined the North Iowa Bulls in 2016 as an assistant coach. He helped the Bulls to a pair of division titles in 2017 and 2018 and an appearance in the Silver Cup in 2017. He was elevated to associate head coach for the 2018-19 season where the team finished second in the West Division and advanced to the Fraser Cup, formerly known as the Silver Cup. Murdock helped the Bulls to a 106-26-6-3 mark during his three years in Mason City.

Murdock was named the head coach of the Kenai River Brown Bears in 2019, where he posted a record of 47-40-4-4 over two years. He returned to North Iowa in the spring of 2021 serving as associate head coach and general manager before coming to UAA.

Murdock, a native of Bradenton, Fla., started his collegiate career at Minnesota State before playing his final three seasons at Lake Superior State where he appeared in 56 games in goal. He would go on to play professional hockey with the Fort Wayne Komets, Fayetteville FireAntz and Tulsa Oilers. Murdock earned his bachelor’s degree in parks and recreation from Lake Superior State.

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The Howling 80s With Dean Des Lauriers (Ep. 6)

The Howling 80s With Dean Des Lauriers (Ep. 6)

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South Korea is known for many things; its kimchi, K-pop, Hyundai, and more… but it isn’t known for its hockey.

When attending a tournament in South Korea, practices are of very little concern.

In this episode, David Vallieres talks with Dean Deslauriers about his time as a Seawolf in the early 80s. He shares with listeners stories about his time traveling to South Korea with his team and how jaws dropped when they stepped on the ice.

Dean discusses: 

  • What he has been up to in the hockey world, his professional life, and his family
  • The story of how a motorcycle trip with long-time friend landed him in UAA hockey
  • Why he thinks the Seawolf for Life Foundation is so important
  • And more

Connect with David: 

Connect with Dean:

About Our Guest: 

Dean Des Lauriers started out his hockey journey with the UAA Seawolves in 1982 playing as defenceman. 

How he ended up in Anchorage and why he stayed all happened by a twist of fate. After planning a motorcycle trip from Minnesota to Alaska with a long-time buddy, he fell in love with Anchorage as soon as he arrived. After attending an open tryout, he made the team and joined the Seawolf brotherhood.

Since his days as a player, he’s taken up coaching and gone into real estate with his company PacRim Properties. After meeting his wife Nancy in another bizarre twist of fate, he extended her 2-year stay in Alaska to 20. He and his family now call Anchorage home.

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From UAA Days on The Field to Coaching a Professional Team with Matt Shasby and Derek Donald (Ep. 5)

From UAA Days on The Field to Coaching a Professional Team with Matt Shasby and Derek Donald (Ep. 5)

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Calling all SeaWolves fans and alumni! 

After parting ways with the team many years ago, we want to shine light on the many accomplishments, life changes and hockey updates from our team around the globe. 

In this episode, David Vallieres talks with Matt Shasby and Derek Donald. Coach Shasby shares some updates on the progression of his team going into the hockey season. Derek Donald shares more about his roots in the hockey industry, and how it has created a legacy for himself as a coach and scout. 

David, Matt and Derek discuss: 

  • The challenges the team will be facing in December
  • What he’s been up to personally and professionally since leaving UAA
  • What it meant to him to be part of Seawolf Hockey Hall of Fame
  • Favorite memories from his time at UAA
  • And more

Connect With David Vallieres: 

Connect With Matt Shasby:

Connect With Derek Donald:

About Matt Shasby: 

Coach Shasby is currently the vice president of player development for the state of Alaska and serves as a coach with the Anchorage Hockey Association. He has coached numerous age groups in addition to high school teams during his coaching career that started in 2009.  

Shasby is a Seawolf alum who played in 127 games during his four-year career for the Seawolves from 1999 to 2003. He was an All-WCHA Second Team Defenseman and was named to the All-WCHA Academic Team three times.

Shasby went on to play professional hockey, appearing in 375 games, primarily with the Alaska Aces of the ECHL. He has served as a volunteer with USA Hockey at numerous camps and coaching education programs.

Shasby earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Alaska Anchorage in 2008 and a master’s degree in secondary education from the University of Phoenix. He currently teaches seventh and eighth grade social studies at Northern Lights ABC.

About Derek Donald:

As an Anchorage native, Derek Donald [1988-92] did more than welcome the pressure of playing in front of the hometown fans – he thrived under it. Aided by his 165 career points, the Seawolf hockey team racked up an 88-49-10 record, capturing three straight NCAA Tournament bids, a pair of Nissan/Jeep Classic titles, and the most victories in any 4-year span of UAA hockey history. Individually, Donald still holds the Seawolf career records for power-play (29) and short-handed (9) goals, and he ranks among UAA’s all-time top 10 in career goals (74, 4th), assists (91, 7th), and points (4th), plus season lists for goals (22 in 1990-91, t-9th), assists (36 in 1991-92, 3rd) and points (59 in ’91-92, 4th). But it was the team aspect of the game in which Donald truly excelled. The undersized winger from Service High was on the ice for some of the most historic moments in Seawolf history, delivering game-winning assists in the Nissan/Jeep Classic championship overtime win over British Columbia and in the first game of UAA’s stunning NCAA Tournament upset of Boston College.

As a sophomore, Donald delivered perhaps the most impressive offensive onslaught in school history when he had back-to-back hat tricks against Maine and Ohio State in victories at Sullivan Arena. As a senior he captained the Seawolves to a school-record 27 victories, including 13 in the final 15 games, to clinch yet another playoff berth. After his collegiate career, Donald attended training camp with the NHL’s Edmonton Oilers and became a two-time East Coast Hockey League all-star with the Dayton Bombers. He later returned home to join the Anchorage Aces as both a player and executive, helping the franchise transition from an amateur team to the professional West Coast Hockey League, and eventually from the WCHL to the ECHL. Donald completed his bachelor’s degree in health science from UAA in 1995. 

Although he remains one of the most recognizable faces in Alaska hockey, Donald currently resides just south of Calgary with his Girlfriend Colleen Pentelchuk and together they operate PD Ranch & Horses Changing Lives.  Their 100-acre ranch boards 20-30 horses, they farm hay, operate an Equine Assisted Learning program, teach horsemanship & riding and team rope steers together.  His daughter Megan is a Chemical Engineer in Oklahoma and son William is studying Sound & Recording Engineering in California.

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Roommate Reunion With Chris Davis (Ep. 4)

Roommate Reunion With Chris Davis (Ep. 4)

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Nothing can compare to the relationships you build with your college roommates.

In this episode, David Vallieres talks with his college roommate, Chris Davis (Wally), on the podcast to take a walk down memory lane. Struggling to keep it PG, the two share stories from their days as Seawolves and all that’s changed since then.

Chris discusses: 

  • Where he ended up after UAA and how he stayed in the realm of hockey
  • The story of the neighbor’s hot tub and a missing Gordo
  • How the two settled disputes while living together
  • And more

Connect With David Vallieres: 

Connect With Chris Davis:

About Our Guest: 

Chris Davis (Wally) is a Seawolf Alumni after playing goaltender from 1993-97. Wally played one season of professional hockey after being drafted by the Buffalo Sabres. 

After UAA, Wally returned to his hometown in Calgary, Alberta where he worked desk jobs until he realized that lifestyle just wasn’t for him. Starting a family of his own, he now has three children, two sons and a daughter. He decided to get back into the sports community through hockey and his own daughter, the youngest of his three children, who became a luge athlete for the Junior Canadian team. 

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Hockey Life After The Seawolves With Eric Silverman (Ep. 3)

Hockey Life After The Seawolves With Eric Silverman (Ep. 3)

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With over 40 years of Seawolf Alumni, we love seeing what they accomplished after their years as players.

In this episode, David Vallieres talks with Eric Silverman (Silvy) on the podcast to share where he’s ended up since playing as a Seawolf. He updates the Alumni community about one of the top premier hockey programs in the country, the Dallas Stars Elite Hockey Club, which he founded.

Eric discusses: 

  • How his trip to Alaska as a prospect pushed him to move to Anchorage, Alaska from New York to play for the Seawolves
  • How his daughter has helped him see coaching from a parent perspective
  • How he is still involved in hockey after his years as a competitive player
  • And more

Connect With David Vallieres: 

Connect With Eric Silverman:

About Our Guest: 

Eric Silverman has an extensive hockey background. He grew up playing AAA hockey in New York and left home while in high school to play Junior A hockey for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL).  Eric finished his Junior career ranked as the fourth all-time leading scorer in Sioux City history. 

From there he earned a scholarship to play Division I college hockey at the University of Alaska Anchorage (WCHA) where he was the Seawolves’ leading goal scorer as a sophomore. After college he spent three seasons playing professional hockey in the ECHL and CHL. He then spent one season as an assistant coach at the Division I college level with Iona College (MAAC).

Eric is well-trained in skill development spending five years as a head instructor with Robby Glantz Power Skating. During this time he traveled the country working with NHL, AHL, college, and many youth hockey players on power skating and skill development.

This will be Eric’s 13th season coaching in Texas. His teams have consistently been highly ranked nationally and he has helped provide opportunities for several of his players to reach the next level. 

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