Alaska-Fairbanks announced that they would be opting out of the 2020-21 season. The Nanooks had a deadline two weeks ago to opt-out by the WCHA, but instead made the announcement this weekend. Alaska was supposed to open the season on Jan. 1 against Lake Superior State.
The WCHA released a statement acknowledging that Alaska was opting out, but did not specify if sanctions would be taken against the program. Of course, the WCHA is disbanding after this season. Seven schools are forming a new league (the CCHA) while Fairbanks is one of three programs (along with Alabama-Huntsville and Alaska-Anchorage) left out.
Head coach Erik Largen said that the program was not consulted prior to the decision.
“Disappointed by this decision without consultation from the coaches, players and trainers,” Largen tweeted. “We have mitigation plans in place. We want to play! Let us compete!”
Largen followed up with a tweet that read, “My frustration of not exploring alternative options should not be confused with lack of support for our administration. I simply believe we may be able to play by exploring innovative solutions. We are the northern most University, innovation is what we do daily.”