FAIRBANKS- Scott Deur, in his first season as an assistant coach with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs, helped guide the team to the program’s third Robertson Cup title at the conclusion of the 2015-16 North American Hockey League season. Fast forward to 2021, and the 32-year old is now the head coach and GM of hockey operations for the Odessa Jackalopes after a six-year run on the Dogs’ bench. The announcement came from the Jackalopes on July 30. READ THE RELEASE HERE
“The last six years have been amazing for me in Fairbanks,” Deur said. “I would like to thank Rob Proffitt, Trevor Stewart and the rest of the Ice Dogs organization for all they have done for me and my family.”
Deur also thanked the Fairbanks community for welcoming him with open arms and making the Big Dipper special every night. Lastly, a message to the players he coached.
“You made coming to the rink fun every day, and I really enjoyed watching your careers develop,” Deur said.
Ice Dogs Head Coach Trevor Stewart thanked Deur for six years of service to the organization.
“He made a huge impact on our hockey club and the community of Fairbanks,’ Stewart said. “We wish him and his wife well as they begin this new chapter in their lives.”
Deur helped coach the Ice Dogs to Robertson Cup tournament appearances in 2018 and 2019, including a trip to the championship game in the latter. Ice Dogs GM Rob Proffitt says Deur embodied the culture of the program.
“The hard work, the dedication, the professionalism and attention to detail are all but a few of the attributes Scotty brought to the rink each and every day,” Proffitt said. “Above all, he’s become a great friend and I wish him nothing but success in moving forward in his career.”
Proffitt stayed within the family to replace Deur with the hiring of Ice Dogs alum Aaron McPheters. An Anchorage native, the 24-year old McPheters played two seasons on the blue line for the Dogs, and joined Deur as a 2016 Robertson Cup champion. He continued his playing career for three seasons with the UAA Seawolves, and now begins his coaching career with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs.
“I’m excited to be back and in this role with the Ice Dogs,” McPheters said. “I’m familiar with the community and understand the commitment to success that comes with being a part of the Ice Dogs organization.”
Stewart describes McPheters as very bright, with a great hockey mind.
“Aaron will be extremely beneficial to our athletes, particularly our defenseman,” Stewart said. “We have a long relationship with him and his family and are thrilled to have him back in the organization.”
The Ice Dogs begin training camp August 29 in Fairbanks, and open the season Sept. 10 against the Minnesota Magicians. The Ice Dogs home opener takes place Oct. 1 against the Kenai River Brown Bears at the Big Dipper Ice Arena. Season Tickets are available and on sale now. CLICK HERE FOR SEASON TICKETS
