Fairbanks Defenseman Norkevicus makes NCAA Commitment

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that defenseman Ian Norkevicus has committed to play NCAA hockey for Chatham University in the UCHC.

Heading back to his home state of Pennsylvania, Norkevicus will skate with the Cougars in the fall. Norkevicus is a 5’11 righty that has spent the past two seasons with the Ice Dogs. This past year, he hit the ice in 59 games and led Fairbanks blueliners with 10 goals and 31 assists. The ‘04 skater tallied three game-winning goals, scored five goals on the man advantage, and featured a +21 rating. He was named as a Top Prospect on the undefeated Selects Black team at the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament.

In his debut season in the NAHL, Norkevicus laced up in 47 games with the Ice Dogs. He found the back of the net five times and registered 18 assists for the Alaskan team. He was acquired by the Ice Dogs as an NAPHL T1ER tender and is an example of the ladder of development the NAHL promotes. 

Norkevicus will join fellow teammate, Caden Pendo, at Chatham University in the fall.

Head Coach of the Ice Dogs, Dakota Bell, shares the impact of Norkevicus to the Fairbanks’ roster.

“Joining Caden Pendo at Chatham, Ian has worn the Ice Dog sweater proudly for the last two years. As a former NAPHL T1ER Tender, Ian continues to climb the ladder of development. Ian's blue-collar mentality meshed well with Fairbanks and provided him with many opportunities both on and off the ice that he took full advantage of. We thank him for his contributions to Ice Dog hockey and wish him the best.”

Norkevicus is one of twelve members of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to make a college hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list