Student-Athlete Spotlight: Trevor Hunt, Hockey
by Kathleen McCoy |
Trevor Hunt has been playing hockey since before he can remember.
UAA Hockey Coach Dave Shyiak recruited the 24-year-old from Maple Ridge, British Columbia while he was playing in the British Columbia Hockey League. After a visit to UAA in March of 2006, Trevor decided that Anchorage was the place for him. "It's a lot like home, but a lot colder with way more snow," Trevor said.
Trevor came to play with the Seawolves in the fall of 2006 on an athletic scholarship. "If I didn't get a scholarship, I wouldn't be at college," he said.
During his first year on the team, Trevor and other freshmen players were required to spend 10 hours each week in study hall. "I originally thought it was a waste of time, but in the end it really got me on track." Though study hall is not required during all four years, players must maintain a 3.0 grade-point average to keep their coaches happy.
"It was a challenge to keep up with my studies and learn how to manage my time," said Trevor. During hockey season, the team would travel Outside seven times and to Fairbanks twice. The players would miss about three days of classes each trip, and when they were home, they were required to practice up to four hours a day. "Trying to better myself in hockey took a lot out of me."
But time spent with the team wasn't all about skating and intense workouts. "I became really good friends with guys from all over North America. We shared the same goals, values and interests, so it was easy to become friends." Some of his best memories with the Seawolves include helping UAA beat interstate rival, the UAF Nanooks, three out of his four years on the team.
The senior defenseman hopes to play professional hockey for the Stockton Thunder, an affiliate of the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League and Springfield Falcons of the American Hockey League. Trevor recently completed his four-year playing career with the Seawolves, suiting up for 100 games while scoring 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists) and collecting 100 penalty minutes. He was also a three-time Western Collegiate Hockey Association All-American team honoree.
Trevor is now one step closer to his goal of going pro. He recently agreed to terms on an amateur tryout agreement (ATO) with the Stockton Thunder. Trevor's younger brother, a left wing, also skates with the Thunder. His ATO is on a five-game tryout basis.
Thunder's head coach Matt Thomas stated in a press release, "We've been looking to strengthen our depth on the blueline down the stretch and we're looking forward to adding Trevor's qualities to our lineup. He comes as a highly-recommended, puck-moving defenseman with a great skill set, a great shot from the point and like his brother, plays with an edge. We're looking forward to his contributions right from the outset."
The 5-foot-10, 190-pound hockey player encourages other students to take it all in and enjoy the opportunities available at UAA. "Otherwise, you might take it for granted."
Trevor will earn a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Marketing as a member of UAA's Class of 2010 on Sunday, May 2, 2010.