Shilts has chance to play hockey in Alaska

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New Richmond’s Dan Shilts will have the opportunity to continue his hockey career in Alaska.

Shilts was recently drafted by the Kenai River Brown Bears of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

Kenai River is one of three NAHL franchises in Alaska. There are also teams in Anchorage and Fairbanks.

“It’s pretty exciting, it’s one of the top junior leagues in the U.S.,” Shilts said on playing in the NAHL.

Shilts said he was contacted before the NAHL Draft by Kenai River head coach Brent Agrusa. The coach liked Shilts’ offensive skills and said they were interested in drafting him. Shilts said he thinks his playmaking ability is his best asset heading into this level of hockey, but he knows he has to continue to get better at all aspects of the game to reach all of his hockey potential. One of his main goals is getting the chance to play in college.

“It’s always been my dream to play Division 1 hockey,” Shilts said.

Shilts has been skating three times each week this summer in Somerset to keep his skills sharp. Shilts will skate in Kenai River’s camp in Rochester, Minn. from July 31-Aug. 3. He will move to Alaska at the end of August. Kenai River starts its NAHL season on Sept. 17 in Blaine, Minn. in the sixth annual NAHL Showcase. The Kenai River schedule extends through late March.

Shilts was one of two Wisconsin players drafted by Kenai River. Casey Kirley of Hayward was also drafted by the Brown Bears.

Tags: sports, hockey, dan, shilts, alaska