Forward Matthew Friese of Wasilla, coming off a strong season with the NAHL's Alaska Avalanche, has pulled out of his commitment to play college pucks at UAA -- like many young Alaska players, he wants to check out the world Outside.

"I've played in Alaska my whole life and I want to get out and play Outside, and hopefully get a scholarship to play hockey Outside,'' Friese said. "Nothing against UAA. UAA is a great program and a great team. I'm a teenager. I want to get out and see what's out there.''

Friese, 18, last season tied for second in goals among Avalanche and was third in points with 19-24--43 totals and a +14 rating in 56 games. He bagged four power-play goals and two short-handed strikes.

Friese hopes to play for the Tri-City Storm of the USHL next season -- the USHL is considering the strongest junior league in the U.S., though the NAHL has made terrific strides in the last decade and likewise furnishes abundant players for college hockey. Friese played two games for Tri-City last season, racking a goal, before finishing the season for the Wasilla-based Avalanche.

Friese said he'll attend a Tri-City camp in June. In the meantime, he's in the gym to strengthen his 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, and figures he'll get in plenty of fishing over the summer.

Tri-City secured Friese's rights in the league by selecting him in the circuit's 2008 Futures Draft.

Friese's previous commitment would have had him joining the Seawolves in 2011 or 2012.