Avs blueliner named All-NAHL

WASILLA — Alaska Avalanche coaches have always thought Jake Parenteau deserves to be recognized as a top defenseman in the North American Hockey League. Others seem to agree.

Parenteau, the University of Minnesota-bound blueliner who recently capped a two-year stay with the Avalanche, was named All-NAHL earlier this week.

“It’s quite an accomplishment, establishing yourself as one of the top defensemen in the league,” Alaska head coach Brian Huebel said on Thursday. “We knew Jake had that ability. He obviously showed it this year, and he’s reaping the benefits.”

Parenteau was nothing short of stellar during his final season of junior hockey. The Shafer, Minn., native led the league in scoring among defensemen with 47 points (16 goals, 31 assists). He also led NAHL blueliners in goals for the second straight year.

Parenteau was also second on the Avalanche in scoring and led his team with a +27 rating.

Huebel said Parenteau possesses the skills that allow him to flourish on offense, while still making an impact on the defensive end of the ice.

“He’s such a dynamic skater,” Huebel said. “When you can skate like he does, protect the puck like he does, it translates at both ends.”

Parenteau leaves the Avalanche as the highest scoring defenseman in franchise history with 2-42-68 totals. He’s the first Avalanche to be named All-NAHL, and late last month became the team’s second player to be named all-division.

Former defenseman Sean McNeely was named NAHL All-West Division last season.

Albert Lea’s Derek Docken was also named All-NAHL. League coaches and general managers also named Docken the league’s defenseman of the year.

“Obviously, we’re biased toward Jake, but Docken, credit him, he had a real good season with a team that didn’t far so well,” Huebel said.

Docken, who will play at UAA, put together 5-19-24 totals and was a +23.

Fairbanks forward Michael Juola, Wenatchee forward Jeff Jubinville, Topeka forward Erik Higby and Wenatchee goalie Brandon Jaeger were also named All-NAHL.

Robb Haider, who also finished his career with the Avs this spring, earned the league’s academic achievement award. Haider graduated Magna Cum Laude from South Anchorage High School, finishing with a 4.0 grade point average.

“He’s a super, super bright kid,” Huebel said of Haider. “He works hard in the classroom and on the ice. That’s a tribute to him as a student-athlete. “

Haider’s plans are not set, but Huebel said the forward has the opportunity to play college hockey.

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

2009-10 NAHL awards

Most valuable player: Erik Higby, Topeka

Defenseman of the year: Derek Docken, Albert Lea

Goaltender of the year: Brandon Jaeger, Wenatchee

Rookie of the year: Tanner Kero, Marquette

Coach of the year: Dane Litke, Janesville

General manager of the year: Scott Langer, Topeka

Organization of the year: Wenatchee Wild

Academic achievement award: Robb Haider

Community service award: Mitch Torrel, Wenatchee

All-NAHL:

Forward: Erik Higby, Topeka; Michael Juola, Fairbanks; Jueff Jubinville, Wenatchee; Defense: Jake Parenteau, Alaska; Derek Docken, Albert Lea; Goalie: Brandon Jaeger.