The NAHL Is Rolling Already, So Here Are Your Alaska Connections

They drop the puck way early in the North American Hockey League -- the Wasilla-based Alaska Avalanche have already played seven games on the junior circuit -- so let's get in a shift with the younger set.

The Avs have rolled to a 5-1-1 start behind seven points (3-4--7) in five games from Anchorage forward Zach Smith and six points (4-2--6) in seven games from Anchorage forward Robb Haider, the former ADN/Coaches Player of the Year for South High.

As usual, most of the Alaskans in the league play for one of the three Alaska franchises -- the Avs, Fairbanks Ice Dogs and Kenai River Brown Bears.

But there are a handful of other Alaskans on NAHL clubs in the Lower 48. For one, goaltender Matt Wichorek of Anchorage, backstopping the expansion Janesville Jets of Wisconsin, has started 2-3-0 with a 2.81 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.

Anyhow, here's who is where in the NAHL:

Alaska Avalanche: Raymond Stenehjem, Anchorage, D; Matthew Friese, F, Wasilla; Chase Van Allen, D, Anchorage; Robb Haider, F, Anchorage; Zach Smith, F, Anchorage; Blake Huppert, F, Wasilla; Kyle Pichler, F, Anchorage; Braden Kinnebrew, D, Anchorage; Logan Rounds, F, Anchorage.

Fairbanks Ice Dogs: Jon Waggoner, F, Fairbanks; Jon Feaval, F, North Pole; Taylor Munson, F, Fairbanks; Matt Sanford, F, North Pole; Jared Linnell, F, North Pole.

Kenai River Brown Bears: Trace Strahle, D, Anchorage; Branden Fisher, D, Soldotna; Brad Fusaro, F, Soldotna; Brad Duwe, F, Soldotna; Clayton Glick, F, Soldotna; Jed McGlasson, F, Kenai; Kegan Kiel, D, Kenai.

Janesville Jets: Matt Wichorek, G, Anchorage.

Marquette Rangers: Jackson Spivey, D, Anchorage.

Topeka RoadRunners: Bobby Murphy, F, Anchorage.

Wenatchee Wild: Nolan Youngmun, F, Anchorage.

Wichita Falls Wildcats: J.J. Waldrop, F, Anchorage.