Avs forward is league’s POW again

WASILLA — There aren’t many players in the North American Hockey League West Division playing better than Matthew Friese right now. And appropriately, the second-year Alaska Avalanche forward was named the West Division Player of the Week for the second time in as many weeks.

“(He) had another huge weekend,” Alaska head coach Dave Boitz said. “He’s on a little bit of a tear.”

Friese posted five points, two goals and three assists, during a two-game sweep of Kenai River.

The 17-year-old Wasilla product who has already committed to play collegiately for Division I UAA has put together (4-4-8) totals during the last four games. His production during the last two weekends equals the four goals and four assists he put together in 34 games last season.

Friese is also a +6 in his last four games, and a +12 overall this season.

Friese has 14 goals and 17 assists in 34 games, and is fifth on the squad with 31 points. Eighteen of those points have come since Jan. 8 during the second half of the season.

“He’s definitely turned the corner,” Boitz said.

Avs add forward

Alaska has added forward Max Vallis to the roster, Boitz said on Monday.

The San Jose, Calif., native skated for the Arizona-based P.F. Changs midget AAA squad of the Tier I Elite Hockey League.

At 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds with a right-handed shot, Boitz said Vallis was P.F. Changs’ top forward and team captain this season. He was tendered by Kenai River last year, but opted not to play for the Brown Bears.

“He’s a kid that might help us, somebody we’re highly considering for next year,” Boitz said. “He’s a real smart player.”

Alaska also made another move earlier this month, trading forward Colton Warner to Albert Lea for a tender.

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