Alaska’s small-town stars shine in sports: from track records to NHL dreams

From Snowy Trails to Track Triumphs

Meet Boomchain Loucks, the high school senior from Wrangell who didn’t let Alaska’s rugged landscape define his limits. Without a local track to call his own, he carved his name into the record books—winning the 800-, 1,600-, and 3,200-meter races at a state meet where competition was fierce. His dominance wasn’t just raw speed; his personal bests were elite, earning him a historic title: the first athlete from his school to be named Alaska’s top boys track and field athlete.

But Loucks balanced his 3.74 GPA with generosity, volunteering in community clean-ups and teaching tech skills to seniors. This fall, he’s trading Alaska’s mountains for Western Washington University’s trails, where his legs will keep flying—both on the track and in cross-country.

From Frozen Rinks to NHL Dreams

Landon Hafele’s path to the Winnipeg Jets started in the unassuming ice rinks of Fairbanks. Fast forward to his draft day: sixth-round pick by an NHL team—a monumental achievement. His rise wasn’t overnight. While peers were still in high school, Hafele was dominating in the U.S. Hockey League, racking up 42 points in a single season.

Now, he’s headed to Arizona State University, where he’ll split his time between classrooms and the rink. Behind his relentless drive was his father, who pushed him to chase greatness early. When the draft news broke, Hafele called it the unforgettable moment that made every hour of practice worth it.

Underdog Baseball Champions: Heart Over Height

In Anchorage, a David vs. Goliath story unfolded at a high school baseball tournament. The Kenai Post 20 Twins—known for their grit after weeks of road trips and makeshift sleep setups—faced elimination but stood tall.

Their final game was a noisy, rainy showdown against Dimond Post 21. The Twins’ offense and pitching refused to fold, with Jacob Joanis delivering a game-changing home run and clutch hits. Then, in a moment that defied logic, Malakai BeDunnah—all five-foot-two of him—stepped up to silence a powerhouse lineup with a crucial pitch.

Winning wasn’t just about talent. It was about staying calm, playing as one team, and proving that heart can outweigh height.