Arctic Lions Hockey provides a positive atmosphere for all student-athletes to be given the platform to demonstrate physical fitness, hockey skill growth, and the development of life skills. We build character in our athletes through competition in the game of hockey and instill in them core values which are integral to life’s successes.

Arctic Lions Hockey is proud to present this years iteration of the 16UAA USA Hockey National Bound team, lead by Head Coach Luke Bonnewell. Filled with a blend of first and second year athletes at the 16U age group (2005 & 2007 birth years), this collection of talent has a strong pedigree of success and is coached by decorated coaches who have represented AK well nationally.

LUKE BONNEWELL, Head Coach

Luke Bonnewell has coached competitive and high school hockey over the last several years and is ready for the 2021-22 season as head coach. Coach Bonnewell has played hockey since he was five and played two years of junior hockey before heading to the University of Davenport to join their team. Coach Bonnewell connects with each player on his team in a meaningful way to support their development both on and off the ice. When he isn’t at the rink, he enjoys spending time with his wife Elise and his dog, Willie Nelson. This is a national bound team that could earn a spot at the USA Hockey National Tournament based on season performance. Coach Bonnewell will announce his assistant coaches and specific details of the season during the parent meeting after team selection.  The season plan will include several areas of focus aimed at developing the whole athlete. To accomplish this, the team will utilize the coaching staff as well as other experts and resources in the community to provide the highest level of on-ice skill development, off-ice strength and agility training, sports psychology/mental training, community service activities and integrity/character building.

KERRY HAFELE, Assistant Coach

WYATT BARTLETT, Assistant Coach

16U AA (2005-2006 BIRTH YEARS)

At the 16U AA level, Arctic Lions are focused on further developing sports specific skills and start to emphasize support training to continue development of speed, strength and stamina while maintaining flexibility. By putting a continued emphasis in development of individual and group tactics, the Arctic Lions organization sets the athlete up for their best chance of advancement. Social and emotional considerations are addressed as well by providing an avenue for team-building, group interaction and social activities. The team will skate 4-5 times per week. Games and travel to tournaments this season provide an avenue to develop an athlete’s skills and helping facilitate achievement of their goals of advancing to the next level in hockey. Players will also have the opportunity to establish a plan to reach their future hockey goals.

ARCTIC LIONS

The Arctic Lions do not measure success solely by the won-lost record of its teams. The development of the players as athletes, students, and future citizens entrusted to its charge is the true measure, and we are proud of our success on and off the ice. Success is built over periods of time, not overnight. But if the success of our teams on the ice is an indicator of our progress, we feel we are heading in the right direction. On the organizational side, Arctic Lions s sponsorship came primarily from the Fairbanks Choice Lions Club …. (Read More)

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