Fairbanks Captain Burke makes NCAA DI 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 Division I for Michigan State University in the Big Ten.

Heading back to his home state of Michigan, Burke will skate with the Spartans in the fall at Michigan State University. The 6’2 righty is a third-year veteran of the Ice Dogs. This past season, the 21-year-old hit the ice in 60 games for Fairbanks. He tallied 16 goals and 22 assists. Two of his goals were named the decider in the contests, while six of his goals were scored on the man advantage. Burke was also named as a Top Prospect for the Midwest Division Roster at the 2025 Top Prospect Tournament. While at the USA Hockey Arena, Burke found the back of the net twice for Team Midwest.

For his 2023-24 campaign, the ‘04 skater laced up in 60 games for Fairbanks. He scored eight goals while making 22 assists. Two of his goals were named as the game-winning goal, and one goal was scored on the power play. His debut season saw Burke hitting the ice in 51 games, finding the back of the net nine times, while notching nine assists. Burke played a total of 173 games in the NAHL, spotlighting 88 career points.

“I am truly honored to have the opportunity to further my hockey and education at Michigan

State University,” says Cole Burke. “I want to thank all my coaches, teammates, and family who pushed me to be my best every day and gave me inspiration to chase my dreams. Thank you to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs organization for teaching me so much on individual and social skills, while building amazing relationships that will last a lifetime. Lastly, hard work pays off. It may take one year or may take 21 years, but eventually all the hard work pays off.”

Ice Dogs General Manager, Rob Proffitt, shares his congratulations and excitement for Burke.

“Cole has stayed the course and grinded through three years of Ice Dog hockey. He was a tremendous leader of our hockey club and has earned this opportunity with MSU. We are extremely excited for him and his family.”

Head coach of the Ice Dogs, Dakota Bell, explains what it means to see Burke get the opportunity at the Division I level.

“Congratulations to our Captain, Cole Burke, on his commitment to Michigan State University! Cole has been invaluable to our organization for the past three years and fully deserves this opportunity. With a tireless approach to the game combined with his strong work ethic, MSU is adding a great piece to their locker room. I’d like to thank Cole for his contributions to both the community of Fairbanks and the Fairbanks Ice Dogs organization. As he wore our sweater in 171 hockey games, he remained loyal to the logo while trusting the process.”

Burke is the eighth member of the Fairbanks Ice Dogs to make a Division I hockey college commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment lis