NATHAN
FORNATARO
Alaska-Fairbanks
So. | D | Calgary, Alberta
Long-distance
relationship: UAF's Nathan Fornataro will be joined in
the college ranks this season by younger brother Matt,
who will be a freshman at New Hampshire (photo courtesy
www.uafhockey.com)
Key
Statistics: Enjoyed a solid freshman campaign, scoring
four goals and nine assists in 36 games. His plus-minus ranking
of +6 was second best among UAF players.
What
He Does: A little of everything. Fornataro not only
jumped into UAF’s lineup immediately, but also became
a pivotal piece of the Nanooks’ power play and penalty
killing units. Former coach Guy Gadowsky, who left Fairbanks
this summer to become head coach at Princeton, raved about
Fornataro’s versatility and dependability.
The
Bigger Picture: Any picture of Fornataro this season
will have to be bigger – he weighs in at 213 after adding
20 pounds to his frame during the summer. The extra bulk will
help Fornataro become a greater physical presence on the UAF
blue line but Nanook fans must hope it doesn’t slow
him down. Fornataro’s combination of smooth skating
and puck-handling skills made him an offensive threat.
Ex-UAF
coach Guy Gadowsky on Fornataro: "We tried to
bring him along slowly but he played so well…he [continued]
to give us reasons to put him out there. I think his biggest
strength is that he’s just so intelligent [and] tough
to compete against.”
