Karr names Ferguson and Patrick as hockey coach finalists

Submitted by Jamie Schanback
Phone: 907-474-6805
05/05/08

University of Alaska Fairbanks Director of Athletics Forrest Karr today announced two finalists under consideration for the Alaska Nanooks head hockey coaching position. The two finalists are interim head coach and UAF hockey alumnus Dallas Ferguson and University of Wisconsin assistant hockey coach Kevin Patrick.

Ferguson was named the interim head coach in April, following the resignation of Doc DelCastillo. This year was Fergusonäó»s fourth consecutive season as one of Alaskaäó»s assistant bench bosses. He also played for the Blue and Gold as a defenseman from 1992-1996.

Patrick was one of four finalists in last yearäó»s search. He has been assistant hockey coach for the University of Wisconsin Badgers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association for four seasons.

The athletic department will host a public forum for each of the finalists at the Carlson Center this Wednesday and Thursday, May 7 and 8. Fergusonäó»s forum will be from 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 7 and Patrickäó»s from 5:30-6:30 p.m. May 8.

äóìThe public forums will be an opportunity for fans, media and student-athletes to meet with the candidates and give feedback,äó? said Karr, who wants to name the next head coach by Friday, May 16.

"It’s great having two well-known individuals as finalists,äó? said Karr. äóìBoth are recognized throughout college hockey as great guys and exceptional teachers. They are both very enthusiastic about the opportunity."