Eric Rud has been appointed as the new head coach of the Alaska-Anchorage hockey team after serving as an assistant coach at St. Cloud State. With considerable coaching experience, including a tenure in college women's hockey and the USHL, he emphasizes the lessons learned from past mentors. Rud is excited to harness this knowledge to revitalize the program at Alaska-Anchorage, acknowledging the unique challenges yet recognizing the potential within the current team.

By the Numbers
  • Rud coached the St. Cloud State women's hockey team for five years.
  • Rud's coaching career spans the USHL and NCAA, providing a diverse range of experience.
State of Play
  • Alaska-Anchorage is set to play an independent schedule this year, featuring teams like Denver and Michigan.
  • Retention of players remains a key challenge in the current landscape of college hockey, influenced by the open transfer portal.
What's Next

Rud looks forward to cultivating a positive team culture and plans to leverage Alaska's unique environment to attract recruits. He aims to build strong relationships with players and other coaches, navigating the evolving demands of college hockey. The administration is on board with revitalizing the program.

Bottom Line

Rud's blend of enthusiasm, experience, and understanding of player needs positions Alaska-Anchorage for a meaningful transformation. By fostering a positive, fun atmosphere and leveraging the beauty of Alaska, he aims to enhance the overall student-athlete experience and attract talent to the program.