Fairbanks forward Eriksson makes NCAA DI commitment

June 13, 2017

 

After being a key contributor for the NAHL’s Fairbanks Ice Dogs throughout the 2016-17 season, Hampus Eriksson is ready for a new challenge. 

 

The 6-foot-4, 205-pound forward committed to play NCAA Division I college hockey for the Lake Superior State University Lakers of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart told the News-Miner.

 

“Hampus was a very valuable player for his team this year,” Stewart said. “He steadily got better, as did his team, the longer the season went. His size and skill set should translate well in to the WCHA.”

 

In his only season in Fairbanks, Eriksson led the Ice Dogs with a team-best 55 points. The Gavle, Sweden native also led the team with 38 assists in addition to scoring 17 goals during his debut season in the North American Hockey League. 

 

Eriksson continued to thrive during the postseason, as he tallied eight points (two goals, six assists) in seven NAHL playoff games. He also was selected to and played in the 2017 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Midwest Division team.

 

Now he’ll head to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to join Lake Superior State, which is led by head coach Damon Whitten.

 

“Playing Division I hockey will open up new possibilities for me moving on,” Eriksson said. “I am really looking forward to new challenges.”

 

Although his stay in Fairbanks was brief, the forward added that he’ll have fond memories about playing with the Ice Dogs.

 

“I’m grateful for the opportunities and support given to me by the Ice Dogs organization,” he said. “Without them, this would not have been possible.

 

“I will never forget the atmosphere in the Big Dipper, and the new friends I have made.”

 

Last year, the Lakers finished with an 11-18-7 record before being swept by Michigan Tech during the WCHA quarterfinals.