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University of Alaska head coach Dallas Ferguson is reportedly leaving the Nanooks’ hockey program for the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen, according to multiple sources.
The news of the abrupt departure was originally leaked by the Nanooks Hockey Blog on Twitter.
BREAKING: Alaska Nanooks Hockey head coach Dallas Ferguson leaves UAF for Head Coaching position for Calgary Hitmen (WHL). Details to come.
— Nanooks Hockey Blog (@NanookHockey) July 10, 2017
Ferguson, a 1996 UAF alum, was set to enter his tenth season as the head coach of the Nanooks. He had compiled a 139-151-42 record during that time. His most notable accomplishment was leading the team to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. He also guided Alaska to three consecutive winning seasons during his tenure.
A native of Wainwright, Alberta, the move to the Hitmen will bring him closer to home. Another possible motive was the program’s lack of stability. Both Alaska and Alaska-Anchorage have faced an uncertain future with the state’s budget crisis.