Aaron Voros signs NHL contract

Submitted by Scott Wilson
Phone: (907) 474-6807
03/22/04

Voros, a University of Alaska Fairbanks junior hockey standout, signed a two-year contract Monday with the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League. Voros became the third Nanook to sign with a pro club during Guy Gadowsky’s tenure as head coach at UAF. Former Nanooks Dwayne Zinger and Bobby Andrews also signed with NHL organizations during their time in Fairbanks. Zinger joined the Detroit Red Wings in 2000 and is currently with the Washington Capitals while Andrews joined the New York Rangers in 2002.

"It has been a whirlwind of activity over the last couple of days, but I am really excited about this new chapter in my life," said Voros. "This is just another step toward my ultimate goal of playing in the NHL. That has been a dream of mine and I just have to continue to work hard toward making that happen."

Voros flew out of Fairbanks late Monday afternoon to report to the New Jersey organization. He will then be sent to the Albany (NY) River Rats, New Jersey’s top affiliate in the American Hockey League.

"We’re very proud of Aaron and what he’s been able to accomplish here at UAF," said Gadowsky. "We’re going to miss him, but it’s always been a goal of our program to develop players for an opportunity to play in the NHL. I am happy that Aaron is going to be able to realize that opportunity."

"Aaron’s signing a pro contract just magnifies the type of program Coach Gadowsky runs and the type of players he recruits," said UAF Director of Athletics Cory Schwartz. "We’re happy for Aaron as he takes this big step in his life and we wish him success in everything he does and with the New Jersey Devils."

The native of Whalley, BC has had a whirlwind of a career with the Nanooks since arriving in Fairbanks in 2001. As a freshman, Voros led the team with 18 goals and earned recognition on the Central Collegiate Hockey Association All-Rookie Team. He had nine multi-point games and was named CCHA Rookie of the Week on three different occasions.

After such a productive rookie campaign, Voros was slowed in his sophomore season by the diagnosis and treatment of a bone tumor in his leg. The tumor was diagnosed four weeks into the season and after several worrisome weeks, tests showed it to be benign. But that was a minor setback for Voros as he returned to action later that year to score the game-winning goal in a 4-3 victory over Notre Dame.

Voros picked up this season right where he left off last year. The 6-4 winger led the Nanooks to an impressive sixth place finish in the CCHA with a 16-19-1 overall record and a 14-13-1 conference tally. He led the team on the ice with 16 goals, including seven power play tallies.

For his career, Voros had 36 goals in 89 games with 25 assists and 61 points. He had 117 penalties for a total of 277 minutes. Voros scored 11 power play goals, one short-handed tally and earned five game-winning scores.

"I think my game will fit well in the NHL," said Voros. "And I am happy to be with New Jersey because it is an organization that I feel I can grow into. This is a good place to develop my game. After talking with them (New Jersey), I think this organization has plans for me."

And Voros was quick to realize that his signing will also have ramifications for the Nanook hockey program overall.

"I definitely think this is a plus for the Nanook hockey program," Voros said. "Recruits considering UAF will be encouraged because they know this is a program that develops players for the professional league."