Fairbanks forward Schachle makes NCAA DI commitment

November 14, 2017

 

Fairbanks Ice Dogs and NAHL forward Tanner Schachle isn’t leaving his home state, at least for the next four years.

 

Growing up in Wasilla, Alaska, the veteran Ice Dogs forward was familiar with the University of Alaska Anchorage hockey program. On Monday, Schachle committed to play for the Seawolves, fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing NCAA Division I hockey. 

 

“I’ve got friends and family that have been around the program in different aspects,” Schachle said during a phone interview. “I like their coaching staff and their program and what they have to offer. Anchorage is close to home, and I’m big on family. It all fell into place pretty good.”

 

Alaska Anchorage competes alongside the University of Alaska Fairbanks in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association and currently holds a 1-7-2 (1-2-1-1 WCHA) record. The Seawolves and Nanooks meet during the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup each season, with the winner of the six-game series being awarded a trophy and bragging rights until the next year begins. 

 

Schachle knows all about the rivalry, and he’s accepted the fact that enrolling at UAA may be portrayed as entering enemy territory in his household. 

 

“I’m pretty familiar with the rivalry on the opposite end of it,” he said. “Both my parents are actually Nanooks. They went to UAF.”

 

The 6’3/185 lbs. winger joked that his parents aren’t too eager to swap their blue and gold gear for green and gold, but he said he’s excited to play in front of his friends and family in his home state. 

 

Schachle also credited the Ice Dogs organization and Fairbanks head coach Trevor Stewart for helping him improve his game.

 

“Last year I got with (Stewart) and the Dogs, and he’s really taught me how to be a power forward and how to be successful in that role,” he said. “He’s still helping me with that and he pushes me to get better every day.”

 

After finishing with 17 points (11 goals, six assists) in 50 games with the Ice Dogs last season, Schachle has tallied eight goals and four assists through the first 17 games of this year. 

 

He spent the 2014-15 season with Fairbanks’ North American Hockey League Midwest Division rival Kenai River, finishing with 14 points (six goals, eight assists) in 57 games. Schachle played for the Okotoks Oilers, of the Alberta Junior Hockey League, during the 2015-16 season.

 

Schachle scored four goals and added six assists with the Oilers. While attending Wasilla High School, he tallied a combined 26 points during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons.