Posts by Jason Witt
Winter Semester Kick Off A Success
The 2021 AKG Academy #WinterSemester kicked off over the weekend and the smiles say it all. A record number of young athletes participated in the session that walked them through various drills and games designed to shake off the rust from the holiday break. Looking at the damp hair and obvious smiles, I think the…
Read MoreFor Benjamin Scotti, It Was Easy To Say Yes to Youth Coaching
Sometimes, in order to try new things, it can be as easy as being ready to say yes to the ask. That narrative has never been more true for AKG Academy coach Benjamin Scotti and his story about how he got involved with the Alaska Grizzlies. His story starts like a lot of youth coaches…
Read MoreBruins Super Fan Finds Calling As Youth Coach In Alaska
When hockey runs your life, it’s inevitable that at some point you’ll be cast as the most important teacher in a young athlete’s career. Especially when your own family is just as crazy about hockey as you are. That’s how it has all worked out for AKG Academy Coordinator and Boston Bruins super fan Beau McBrien. When…
Read MoreHockey Fan Relishes New Role as Youth Sports Coach
If you would have asked 6U Ice Puppies Coach Brandon Waller if he thought coaching youth hockey in Fairbanks, Alaska was in his future – he probably would have said no. But like a lot of coaches in interior Alaska, here we are. Along with his band of brothers in the coaching fraternity, the Fairbanks…
Read MoreRecord 22 Skaters Set to Advance
In a historic semester for the Alaska Grizzlies Academy (AGA), a record 22 Learn to Hockey skaters graduate up to the Ice Puppies after completing their 8 week class that started in the fall. Skaters graduate by mastering basic skating techniques administered via USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM) and trained by a handful of coaching…
Read MorePlaying It Safe
Fairbanks skaters have been “playing it safe” since the season started. Working with the rinks, players, coaches and parents – the Arctic Lions and Alaska Grizzlies have worked hard to keep kids on the ice! Being diligent isn’t easy but these players make it look that way. Hockey is so important to so many youth…
Read MoreJune Summer Hockey Letter From ASHA & USA Hockey
Alaska State Hockey Association President Darrell Thompson penned an encouraging letter recently regarding the upcoming season for Alaska youth hockey. Mixed in with sentiments of our beautiful summers and wishes of returning hockey – the letter provides some important information regarding mitigation plans for the 2020-2021 season and beyond. Both your Fairbanks Arctic Lions and…
Read MoreGrizzlies Coaches Take in USA Hockey Clinic Road Show
Several Alaska Grizzlies coaches benefited from attending the recent Fairbanks edition of the USA Hockey Coaching Clinic road show. The clinic, held at the Bunnell Auditorium on the UAF Campus, is designed to enhance coaching expertise and knowledge in the sport of hockey and is a popular event which is typically well attended. The Grizzlies…
Read MoreFairbanks Hockey Organization Brings STOP Program to Town
New for the 2019-20 season, the Arctic Lions & Alaska Grizzlies will be providing, free of charge, the STOP (Safety Towards Other Players) program for all of our athletes 10U and older. This is an awareness campaign to make hockey safe for its youth athletes players. The program involves including a STOP patch on the center back…
Read MoreGRIZZLIES SPOTLIGHT: Coach Mark Ellingrud
Teacher by day, and Superhero on the weekend, Coach Mark Ellingrud is one of our 6u/8u coaches with the mostest! He has been a part of the hockey community since 1993 and in Fairbanks since 2004. Mark’s love for the game and the players is apparent every time he takes the ice. We appreciate Coach…
Read More