Two UAH Players Find Homes in Transfer Portal

A pair of players from Alabama Huntsville have found new homes in the NCAA transfer portal. UAH announced on Friday that it was cutting its hockey program, becoming the first program since Wayne State in 2008 to fold.

’99-born defenseman Tanner Hickey is headed to Arizona State. Hickey, whose brother Brandon played at Boston University, is an Alberta native who led the Chargers in scoring among defensemen this season despite being a freshman. In 30 games, he totaled 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists). Prior to UAH, he had a long career with the Spruce Grove Saints in the AJHL.

“Has a smooth quick shot that he gets through traffic,” said NZ scouts. “Can take the puck end to end with good speed creating some scoring chances.”

’98-born forward Liam Izyk is headed to Boston College. Another native of Alberta, Izyk was one of the top scorers on the Chargers this past season as a freshman with 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists) in 32 games. Prior to UAH, he had a multi-year run with the Fort McMurray Oil Barons in the AJHL.

“Has strong speed that with a little room can have breakaway speed,” said NZ scouts. “Isn’t afraid to go into the corners, and battle while also tossing his body around. Very good at staying man on man in the defensive zone, and will take a hit to make a play.

“Izyk is a very strong player, with great balance, and can blow plays with his physical style … When he is engaged, it only makes him more dangerous as he is one of the more versatile players on his team, he played at center, on the wing, and plays on the power play and on the penalty kill. He has a good feel for the game, and is an important, if understated, piece to his team.”