Former Minnesota State forward Ryan McKelvie has been added to the coaching staff at Alaska Anchorage.

McKelvie, who had 9-30--39 in 134 games with the Mavericks from 2002-06, has spent the last two seasons as a member of the coaching staff of Wenatchee of the North American Hockey League after serving as a graduate assistant coach with Bemidji State the previous two years.

The release from Alaska Anchorage announcing the hiring of McKelvie appears below.

ANCHORAGE – Alaska Anchorage hockey coach Dave Shyiak announced Wednesday the addition of Minnesota State alum Ryan McKelvie to his staff as an assistant coach.

McKelvie joins the Seawolf staff after Regg Simon assumed the head coach and general manager duties with the Des Moines Buccaneers.

“We are getting an up and coming young coach who will be a big asset to our program,” said Shyiak, “Ryan has all the attributes we were looking for in a coach and recruiter. We wanted someone who had ties to Minnesota, USHL and NAHL and the Western Collegiate Hockey Association.”

"I am very honored and excited about this new opportunity,” said McKelvie, “I’ve always been passionate about college hockey and about the WCHA. I know that coach Shyiak and coach Blair have done a great job with the program, and I look forward to working with them, the players and contributing to the team's success in any way that I can."

McKelvie comes to UAA after serving two seasons as the associate head coach for the Wenatchee Wild of the North American Hockey League. Under general manager and head coach Paul Baxter, McKelvie helped the Wild accomplish many feats, including a NAHL regular season Championship, two NAHL West Division Play-Off Championships, a National Runner-Up finish and two NAHL Organization of the Year awards.

"It's difficult leaving the Wenatchee Wild organization after being a part of the team's first two seasons,” said McKelvie, “The Wild organization has allowed me to grow as a coach and become ready to move forward with my career in the college ranks. I will forever be grateful to Paul Baxter and the rest of the Wild organization for their support."

Prior to joining the Wild, McKelvie worked as a graduate assistant coach for the Bemidji State University men’s hockey team from 2006-08. The New Brighton, Minn., native was a part of the 2007-08 College Hockey Association regular season championship team. With the Beavers he had the pleasure of working with three-time CHA Coach of the Year and three-time Penrose Coach of the Year finalist, Tom Serratore and one of college hockey’s top-5 all-time winningest coaches, R.H. Peters.

McKelvie’s coaching experience also includes two years as the head coach of the '92 Minnesota Jr. Mavericks AAA team, eight years as a head coach at John Bazzachini's hockey training, and three years as a coach at the USA National Select 15 and 17 festivals.

A forward during his playing career, McKelvie suited up for the Minnesota State Mavericks from 2002-06. In addition to registering 9-30—39 totals in 132 career games, he became the first three-year captain in the history of the program. During his collegiate career he had the opportunity to play in the NCAA National Tournament in 2003, as well as the WCHA Final Five.

"Obviously we're happy and excited for Ryan and proud he's getting this opportunity with the Seawolves. I'm convinced he'll do a tremendous job for UAA,” said MSU head coach Troy Jutting. “He's a very hardworking and dedicated individual who understands the game.  And with the success they've had at Wenatchee during his time there, he has the ability to recruit as well as coach at an advanced level."

McKelvie earned a Bachelor Degree of Science in Physical Education in 2006 from MSU, and is currently working on a Master's Degree in Sport's Science from BSU.

“He’s a quality young man who is very focused at developing young players into winners,” said Shyiak, “Our staff is looking forward to working with Ryan as we move ahead.”