BCHL Grads Highlight Freshman Class At Anchorage:

BCHL grads highlight freshman class at Anchorage

Friday, September 4, 2009 - Submitted by UAA Athletics/BCHL Media

Alaska Anchorage head hockey coach Dave Shyiak has finalized the incoming freshman class for the 2009-10 season, and it includes a half dozen British Columbia Hockey League graduates.

Signing National Letters of Intent for the Seawolves were Vernon Vipers captain Chris Crowell, Cowichan Valley Capitals forwards Alex Gellert and Mickey Spencer, and Victoria Grizzlies blueliner Lee Baldwin. Alaska Anchorage also announced that transfers Brad Gorham and Scott Warner have committed to join the team.

Baldwin, a 6-4, 203-pounder from Victoria, B.C., tallied 13 goals and 54 points in 56 games last season and helped lead the Grizzlies to an RBC Cup appearance. The 21-year old, who will sport No. 7 at UAA, played for the Burnaby Express during the 2007/08 and 2006/07 seasons, posting a total of 40 points.

"Lee worked very hard this summer to become a complete player", said former Grizzlies general manager Jackson Penney, "He's a great skater for his size and has both good shooting and passing abilities. Lee is very good in the locker room and leads by example."

Crowell, a 6-2, 205-pounder from Williams Lake, B.C., joins the Seawolf team after suiting up for the Vipers for four seasons. Crowell, who will be wearing No. 17, registered 57 points in his career, including 26 goals, in 172 games.

Vipers assistant coach Jason Williamson added that Crowell "is a great teammate and will do what it takes to win. Crowell is a strong skater with good size and plays a punishing role. He can also chip in offensively."

Gellert, from Kelowna, B.C., stands in at 6-1 and weighs 170. He suited up for the Capitals for two seasons under head coach Scott Robinson. In 115 games, Gellert recorded 33 goals and 38 assists for 71 points, including nine power-play goals and 10 game-winning tallies. Gellert will take the ice with the Seawolves wearing No. 20.

"Gellert is a very dynamic player who moves the puck well," says Robinson, "He has great feet and a lot of potential."

Spencer joins UAA after a two-year stint with the Capitals where he was a teammate of Gellert. A native of Gibbons, Alberta, Spencer stands at 6-0 and weighs in at 189 pounds. He produced 93 points, including 58 goals, in 113 regular season games with the Capitals.

"Spencer is a pure finisher with a great shot and release, who will score when he has the opportunity," stated Robinson. "He is a great kid to have on your team. Both Spencer and Gellert are very well liked and will have a positive impact on UAA."

Gorham, who suited up for the Williams Lake Timberwolves and Alberni Valley Bulldogs suring his two BCHL seasons, has transferred to UAA from Ohio State. Gorham originally joined the team halfway through last season but will sit out until January in accordance with NCAA bylaws.

Warner suited up for the Trail Smoke Eaters for two seasons before attending Army as a college freshman for the 2008/09 campaign. Now a sophomore at UAA, he joins his hometown team and will sit out a season in accordance with NCAA rules.

"I think this class addresses a lot of our needs and will give us depth at every position," stated UAA head coach Dave Shyiak. "We've brought in a good blend of size, skill and speed. The transition to college hockey is a big step and we will need our new players to contribute to our success this year. Our staff and players are excited to get things started and feel we are ready to move ahead in the WCHA."

The incoming class will join the rest of the Seawolves as UAA takes on SAIT Polytechnic in an exhibition game on Oct. 2nd. The regular season will get under way on Oct. 9 with the Kendall Hockey Classic at the Sullivan Arena.