Colony senior signs tender with NORPAC team

PALMER — Alex Svoboda didn’t start playing hockey until he moved with his family to Alaska. But after seven years in the sport, the Colony High senior knows he’s not ready to leave the ice.

After Svoboda expressed an interest to continue his hockey career, Colony head coach Jamie Smith quickly found the forward a new home. Svoboda has signed a tender with the Southern Oregon Spartans of the Northern Pacific Hockey League.

Svoboda, who hopes experience in the Tier III Junior A hockey league can help earn him a chance to play NCAA Division III hockey, said he was surprised how quickly he was able to sign with a team.

“I definitely expected to have to go to some showcase camps during the summer,” Svoboda said Saturday. “I definitely didn’t expect it to come this quickly or easily.”

Svoboda said he’s known since he was a freshman that he wanted to pursue college hockey. As he started to have more success with the Knights, the desire grew.

“I definitely set a goal for myself to play past Colony,” said Svoboda, who also played on the Junior Avalanche U-18 Tier II team. “I’ve really got a passion (for hockey). I still play baseball, but hockey has always been the sport I really love.”

Svoboda, a Knights captain, posted nine goals and 15 assists for Colony. He was second on the team with 24 points. His 15 assists also ranked him second on the squad. Two of his nine goals were game-winners.

“He stepped up and scored some big goals,” Smith said.

While Svoboda excelled offensively, Smith said it’s the work on and off the ice that makes Svoboda stand out.

“He’s a workout freak,” Smith said. “He’s a tough kid, a strong kid. He brings the hard hat every day to practice.”

Smith said Svoboda, a right wing, is not afraid of contact and will battle on both ends of the ice, which will help him have success in the NORPAC.

“He’s a grinder and works his tail off,” Smith said. “In that league, he’ll do well. You need those blue-collar guys.”

Svoboda said he embraces that part of his game.

“I know I’m not a huge finesse player, but I try to work harder than everyone on the ice,” Svoboda said. “If that means I have to take a hit to make the play or beat someone into the corner, gritty and playing blue collar is the way to play the game.”

A number of Valley players have had success in the NORPAC. Former Wasilla High defenseman Michael Johnston recently capped his first season with the NORPAC’s Eugene Generals. Johnston played in 41 of his team’s 42 regular-season games as a rookie, bagging 2-11-13 totals.

Svoboda said he had the chance to talk to Johnston recently about playing in the NORPAC.

“He said to me I can definitely play at that level,” Svoboda said. “Seeing him make the impact he did is really encouraging.”

Southern Oregon finished second in the NORPAC regular season standings, but won the league’s Cascade Cup.

“It’s a good program,” Smith said.

Smith said Svoboda certainly has the chance to have success in the NORPAC and find a spot at the Division III level.

“I’m excited for him. Alex is fired up,” Smith said.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman sports editor Jeremiah Bartz at sports@frontiersman.com and follow him at twitter.com/matsu_sports.