North American Hockey League
Fahlstedt embraces opportunity in Alaska T
By Matt Mackinder
anner Fahlstedt prides himself on being a leader,
and, after being traded from the Wichita Falls (Texas) Wildcats to the Alaska Avalanche last month, he’ll have every chance
to maximize that asset as his new North American League (NAHL) team readies for the postseason. “I try to be a leader as much as I can,” said Fahl-
stedt, a 20-year-old from Centennial. “If that’s saying something in the room or leading by example on the ice, that’s what I try to do.” Tendered by the Wildcats out of the Colorado
Thunderbirds organization, Fahlstedt, in his sec- ond NAHL season, began to architect his promising young career under the guidance of a number of reputable local coaches. “(Thunderbirds director of hockey operations)
Angelo Ricciwas one of those guys who helped me out so much,” Fahlstedt said. “He just knows so much and he’s been to the higher levels, so when he speaks, you listen. “He did so much for my career and, to be honest,
it’s kind of hard to put into words how much he’s meant to me.” Ricci says Fahlstedt’s patience and perseverance has proven to be the difference.
“Tanner is a terrific example of a
young man who didn’t rush his de- velopmental track,” Ricci said. “He battled through four years of Midget AAA hockey and now is excelling in the junior ranks. “He’s a fine example of not rush-
ing the process, and he’s developed into a dangerous offensive player with tons of skill and a high com- pete level.” Fahlstedt also acknowledges
Greg Ahbe, who coached him at the Pee Wee level in the Littleton Hockey Association, as an encourag- ing and inspirational mentor. “Greg was a big part of my early
hockey career,” said Fahlstedt, who also developed in the Arapahoe Youth Hockey Association. “He was that guy who saw something in me and said I could take hockey as far as I wanted. When a coach tells you that at a young age, it sticks with you and gives you unbelievable confidence.” The NAHL has long been known to open doors for
Recently traded from Wichita Falls to Alaska, Centennial’s Tanner Fahlstedt is hoping to end his junior career on a high note. Photo/NAHL
“I’ve talked to a couple Divi-
sion III schools, but my goal like everyone in this league is to play Division I,” said Fahlstedt. “Two years ago when I was looking at my options of where to play, see- ing how many players the NAHL sends to college was a pretty big selling point.” Fahlstedt has little doubt he
can be a valuable asset to a Divi- sion I program, especially after his seasoning in the Tier II Junior A league. “I think my work ethic speaks
for itself and I know I can play col- lege hockey, but it’s all a matter of what the scouts think,” he said. “I want them to see that I can be an impact guy at the D-I level.” As curtain comes down on his
junior career in Alaska, a team coached by former NHLerCorey Millen, Fahlstedt is eager to make the most of his opportunity. “I’m exited to be here,” he said. “It’s a great group
college-ready players and Fahlstedt, who competed in last month’s highly scouted Top Prospects Tourna- ment in Troy, Mich., is hoping to be on the league’s growing list of commits soon enough.
NAHL.com
of guys and a great group of coaches, and obviously it’s exciting to be in contention for the playoffs. “I’m just looking forward to working hard and do- ing my part to help this team go as far as it can.”
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