University Of Alaska Anchorage: UAA Hockey Team Reinstated

Press release from the University of Alaska Anchorage:

August 31, 2021

University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Sean Parnell announced today the Seawolf hockey program has surpassed its fundraising mark of $3 million, resulting
in the D-I team’s reinstatement and paving the way for the team to resume play in
the 2022-23 season.

"Thanks to the passionate and determined fundraising efforts of coaches, student-athletes,
alumni, boosters, community leaders and corporate donors from across our city, state
and nation, UAA Seawolf hockey earned reinstatement," Parnell said. "This is a day
to celebrate and express gratitude to our community and to Save Seawolf Hockey supporters
for their unwavering commitment."

Fundraising goals, established in September 2020 by the University of Alaska Board
of Regents, provided an opportunity for the hockey program to earn reinstatement by
securing private funding equivalent to two years of team operating expenses by Aug.
30, 2021. The current total raised behind the Save Seawolf Hockey effort is more than
$3.1 million, assuring hockey’s future in Seawolf Nation.

“Today is about much more than dollars raised. It’s about hope restored and dreams
realized,” said UAA Director of Athletics Greg Myford. “While the financial support
is important and necessary, our community of supporters refused to let the vision
for Seawolf hockey fade. A mighty thank you to all who contributed to this day.”

Moving forward, UAA Athletics will partner with the Seawolf 5th Line, a newly-named
organization of community supporters and fans, to plan and execute multiple aspects
of the team’s operations, including continued fundraising support and outreach to
grow the UAA hockey fan base. Additionally, the program anticipates active outreach
on campus so that students can benefit from hands-on experience in the team’s growth
and success.

As established previously, UAA hockey will not compete in the coming 2021-22 season,
but is planning to resume play for the 2022-23 campaign.

This story originally appeared on GoSeawolves.com.

This press release was produced by the University of Alaska Anchorage. The views expressed here are the author’s own.