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Hawks’ Stead to go to Alaska next season

A tremendously successful season on the ice has translated into a scholarship for Nipawin Hawks goaltender Kristian Stead as he accepted an offer to play for NCAA Division-I hockey next season at the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Stead
Kristian Stead takes a breather during a stop in play. He has accepted an offer to play for NCAA Division-I hockey next season at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Review Photo/Devan C. Tasa

A tremendously successful season on the ice has translated into a scholarship for Nipawin Hawks goaltender Kristian Stead as he accepted an offer to play for NCAA Division-I hockey next season at the University of Alaska Anchorage.

Stead said it is something he has been after for a long time.

“[It’s] a bit of a relief, but now that that’s out of the way, just have to concentrate on getting wins with the Hawks and making sure that we’re playing a lot of hockey down the stretch,” said Stead.

Getting a scholarship to play hockey in the NCAA can wear on a lot of teenagers as they look to continue their education and hockey careers, but Stead said he has just worried about playing well.

“I just tried not to think about it too much... give the team a chance to win night in and night out and let the rest take care of itself.”

And play well he did, as the 20-year-old Merritt, B.C. native has been enjoying a terrific year for the Hawks, sitting first in the league in wins, shutouts, and save percentage and third in the league in goals against, and total minutes played, earning him nominations for both league MVP and Top Goaltender awards in the SJHL.

Stead noted there were some conversations with a couple of different schools throughout the year but said he settled on UAA because of their interest in him.

“I had a few good conversations with them throughout the year. They met with me in person, which I thought was big. The people I spoke to seemed very genuine and it’s a very good program.”

Stead will also be insulated at UAA next season with a number of familiar faces as former Hawk Tad Kozun is one of a number of SJHLers slated to be on the team next season.

“It’s always nice to know someone wherever you’re going and for sure it’s good to see another SJ guy there,” he said.

As for the classroom, Stead said he does not have anything concrete yet in terms of area of study but said he does have some interest in criminal justice, but for right now he is focused on helping the Hawks enjoy a long playoff run.