Alaska coach Eric Largen has agreed to a new five-year extension that will keep him behind the Nanook bench through the 2027-28 season.
Largen completed his fifth season as Alaska’s head coach in 2022-23. In their second consecutive season as a full-time independent, the Nanooks posted their most successful season since 2001-02, amassing a final record of 22-10-2, earning the third most wins in program history and the most hits. Winning since the 2001-02 season when he went 22-12-3 (15-10-3 CCHA) under Jay Jadowski.
“I want to thank Dr. Brock Anundson, NFL consultant Dr. Dan White and President Pat Pitney for their continued support of our hockey program,” Largen said in a statement. “We still have things we want to accomplish as a program, and I’m excited to continue working towards achieving great things with our staff and student-athletes. I’ve had the honor of leading this program and I look forward to building on the great traditions of Nanox hockey on and off the ice.”
“Today is another great day for University of Alaska and Nanook hockey as we announce the extension of Coach Largen’s contract,” Anundson added, “As a proven leader for our program and his student-athletes, Eric has shown his incredible dedication and vision for the future of Alaska Nanook hockey will pave our path to success for years to come. With Eric’s guidance, The program has risen to one of the highest ranked teams in the NCAA.I know that with Eric at the helm, we will continue to solidify the championship culture that he set and that the Nanook Nation established here in Fairbanks.In addition, Associate Director Chris Brown and the staff have allowed us to create one of the best support teams in the NCAA Division I hockey, adding tremendous value to the student-athlete experience. We are excited to work on the success that lies ahead at Alaska Nanook Hockey.”
Along with the record number of wins, the Nanooks made a solid postseason push down the stretch. Their run began in December with the return of the Alaska Governor’s Cup and rematch against Alaska Anchorage. The Nanooks clinched their 12th straight UAA Governor’s Cup, going 6-0 against their in-state rival, including two come-from-behind 4-3 wins in late January.
The 20-game stint to the end of the season also included road wins in that time. 19 Notre Dame on December 31, 2022 and their first-ever win at Magness Arena on January 6, 2023 against then-No. 1 Denver. They would end up splitting both series, giving them two of their three losses in their last 20 games. Alaska also completed a four-game season sweep of Arizona State, defeated Lindenwood in its first ever game, took three of four off Lumg Island, went 17-3-0 throughout the season and posted a 15-1-0 record against fellow independents. .
On February 6, 2023, after sweeping the Sun Devils at home, the Nanooks earned a Top 20 ranking in the USCHO.com Division I men’s ice hockey poll—their first media appearance since the 2014–15 season. They finished the season ranked No. 15 in both the USCHO.com poll and the USA Today/USA Hockey poll and were ranked No. 14 in the PairWise rankings, having missed out on the NCAA Tournament.
“We are thrilled to sign Eric to continue leading our way to an elite hockey program in Alaska,” White said. “We have a long tradition in Division I hockey. And while there are many factors that will enhance our drive toward championship hockey, it starts with the quality leadership Eric provides to the Nanook team.”