Though we have some great fan bases in cities like San Diego and Bakersfield, Anchorage has the most knowledgeable and enthusiastic fans. With that knowledge comes a level of expectation, they demand a certain skill level and quality on the ice. While the appeal of playing in a city where hockey comes first draws players to Anchorage, support from the community off the ice and overall quality of life keep them playing and often living on the Last Frontier, according to center and WCHL all-time points leader Dean Larson. And the environment, much different from the winter wasteland many newcomers imagine, provides not only scenic beauty, but lucrative off-season opportunities, according to General Manager Derek Donald. Temperatures moderated by the maritime climate are often warmer than northern states in the lower 48.
Anchorage embraces a multitude of winter sports.
Nightlife, education and museums are also abundant in the city of more the 280,000. Anchorage never has less than about six hours of daylight, which begin to increase just before midseason, with the Dec. 21 winter solstice. The daylight then expands to go well beyond midnight, illuminating the incredible spring and summers. We've had players do really well guiding fishing and hunting expeditions. Whatever they do, if they remain here in the offseason, they get to experience an incredibly quality of life.