Eric Rud: New UAA Hockey Coach

0:00It's April 28th. You're listening to Anchorage News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Cory with the story. University of Alaska Anchorage just named Eric Rudd as the new head coach for their Seawalls hockey team. He comes over from being an assistant at St. St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. This higher happened at a press conference on campus Monday, marking him as the program's eighth head coach. Rudd steps in after Matt Shasby left in early April. Shasby had a tough four-year run with a 34 wins, 86 losses, and 9 ties record. The team was off the ice for a bit, due to budget cuts, but is back now, playing independently since 2020. Rudd packs 25 years of coaching experience from NCAA Division I and junior levels. He played at Colorado College, earning two-time defensive player of the year, honors there, and has head coached in the USHL Plus, assisted at spots. Like Miami University and Colorado College.

1:00Last season, the Seawalls finished five wins, 27 losses, and one tie, but they did beat the national chance from Denver. Players are buying in early. Leading score Carter McNarland, who had four goals in 17 assists and juniors, plans to stick around. He sees big potential with Rudd pulling the best from the roster. Some others hit the transfer portal, but the core seems solid. Looking ahead, expect a fast, aggressive style from Rudd high scoring games over shutouts. They'll play more at Sullivan Arena, open against those Denver champs right here in Anchorage, and the athletics director calls this a perfect fit. Build the program's resilient future.