Fairbanks Captain Burke makes NCAA Commitment

The Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Cole Burke has committed to play NCAA hockey for University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire in the WIAC.

The Trenton, Michigan native is heading to skate in Wisconsin with the Blugolds in the fall. Burke is a third-year veteran of the Ice Dogs and has served as a Captain for two of them. This past season he skated in 60 games with the Ice Dogs, tallying 16 goals and 22 assists. Two of his goals were the game-winning goal and six were scored on the power play. He featured a +16 rating on the year and got the opportunity to head to the USA Hockey Arena for the 2025 Top Prospects Tournament. Burke was on the Midwest Division team and scored two goals in the two-game tournament.

The 6’1 righty laced up in 60 contests last season, finding the back of the net eight times and producing 22 assists. Two of his goals were the decider in the contest and one was scored on the man advantage. His debut season in the NAHL had him hitting the ice in 51 games with Fairbanks. The ‘04 forward scored nine goals while making nine assists in his rookie season.

Burke will join fellow teammates, Wyatt Carlson and Brent Gulenchyn, in the fall.

Head Coach of the Ice Dogs, Dakota Bell, explains the impact Burke has had on the Ice Dogs roster.

“As team captain for two seasons, Cole exemplifies what it means to be a Fairbanks Ice Dog. Cole's leadership and brotherhood that he helped create are evident as two of his teammates will join him at Eau Claire. No matter the situation, Cole gave everything he had to both his teammates and the fans in Fairbanks. The Ice Dogs thank Cole for all he's done for the organization and look forward to his continued successes both on and off the ice!”

Burke 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