Anchorage defenseman Allen makes NCAA commitment
The Anchorage Wolverines of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are pleased to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Clay Allen has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Saint Mary’s University
Allen, 21, is another local Anchorage product who represented his hometown throughout 116 career NAHL games. The 6’2/179 lbs. native of Anchorage, AK, secured 17 goals and 47 assists for 64 points throughout his two seasons with the team. He was also selected to and played in the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the Midwest Division team.
Allen is a versatile player who can crash the net just as well as defend it. During the 2022-23 season, he recorded 30 points in 57 games played.
“Clay’s offensive ability is evident from day one. A player that likes to join the rush and is not shy about shooting the puck from the blue line,” Head Coach Nick Walters said. “His biggest improvement this year was on the defensive side of the game. Learning when to join the rush, but also when to hold back and protect the house.”
The Saint Mary’s Cardinals compete in the NCAA Division III within the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). The MIAC will provide Allen with some familiar faces, with Eino Rissanen playing for St. Scholastica and Logan Lyke heading to St. John’s University.
Prior to playing in the NAHL, Allen spent three seasons playing in the NAPHL. During the 2017-18 and 2018-19 seasons, he played for the Alaska Oilers 15 and 16U teams. During the 2019-20 season, he played for the New Jersey Jr. Titans 18U team, where he was named to the All-NAPHL 1st Team-East Division that season.
In 42 career NAPHL games, Allen recorded 31 points.
“As he continues to blend both the offensive and defensive parts of his game, Saint Mary’s is getting an impact player,” Walters said.
Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list
