Defenseman Brian Cooper of Anchorage was among 11 cuts today at USA Hockey's Junior Evaluation Camp in Lake Placid, N.Y., where the team for the 2013 World Junior Championship will be chosen.

Cooper, 18, was one of six defensemen trimmed from the roster.

He's headed to Nebraska-Omaha this fall as a true freshman. Cooper played the past three seasons for the Fargo Force of the U.S. Hockey League and captained the Force last season. Earlier this summer, the Anaheim Ducks selected him in the fifth round of the NHL draft.

While we're mentioning Alaska connections, former Alaska Aces winger/defenseman Jeff Smith (2006-07), 31, who has played three of the last four seasons in the Netherlands, has signed with the Hull Stingrays of the Great Britain-based EIHL.

Also hooking up in the EIHL, with the Braehead Clan, is former UAA defenseman Matt Hanson, who played with the Seawolves from 2002-05. Hanson, 29, has played most of his pro career in the Central Hockey League.