Avalanche sign Houston graduate

Feb. 18, 2007

By Jeremiah Bartz/ Frontiersman

HOUSTON - When Sean Ranum completed his senior season at Houston High School he wasn't quite sure if he'd have the opportunity to skate in this area again.

&#8220I was hoping to eventually,” Ranum said.

But after a stint in at the Junior B level, Ranum is back in the Valley as a member of the Junior A Alaska Avalanche.

Last week the Avalanche acquired the 2006 Houston High School graduate in a trade with the Twin Cities Northern Lights of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League.

&#8220We had a roster spot open, and right now we're certainly in a position to evaluate as much of the local talent as we can,” Alaska general manager Keith Morris said. &#8220I'm very happy Sean is back here playing with us. He'll get a chance to be evaluated for the next two months of the season.”

Ranum posted six goals and four assists in 30 games with the Northern Lights.

&#8220He's a good skater and can work,” Morris said. &#8220He's got some junior experience underneath him, and this is a step up for him. I'm happy he's here to show us what he can do.”

He said time with the Minnesota team proved to be a good experience, and he is happy to be back in Alaska.

Ranum said he has been skating since he was 5 years old, and is hoping for the opportunity to earn a college scholarship.

&#8220That's the goal, ultimately,” he said.

Ranum is now one of two Houston graduates on the Alaska squad.

Larry Kincaid, a 2005 graduate of HHS, is in his first season with the Avs.

Both Ranum and Kincaid helped lead Houston to state hockey championships during their senior years.

Contact Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com.