PHPA Player Rep Spotlight: Spencer Naas (Savannah Ghost Pirates)

Spencer Naas is the PHPA Player Representative for the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL. Naas played four years at the University of Connecticut where he was an Assistant Captain during his final two seasons.  Following his senior season, he turned pro by signing with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League where he registered 7 points in 12 games. He split the next two seasons between the AHL and ECHL. In 2020 Naas played professional hockey in Sweden and the following year played in France. This past summer he returned to North America to play for the ECHL’s expansion Savanah Ghost Pirates and was named an Assistant Captain.

How did you become a PHPA Player Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities? 

Serving as a PHPA Player Rep was something that always interested me once I began my pro career. Being an expansion team in Savannah, we had no previous rep so it seemed like a nice opportunity for me to step in. I essentially act as a liaison between my teammates and the PA, making sure that they are aware of all the benefits that are available to them and trying to answer any questions they might have regarding their time in the ECHL or AHL. 

What memory stands out to you the most from your four years at the University of Connecticut? 

Two games really stand out to me when I think about my time at UConn. My freshman year we upset Boston College in the first ever Hockey East home game in program history. Then on Senior Night we came from behind to beat Boston University in overtime to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs. Both were significant wins for the program and will always be special memories for me. The fact that each game marked the start and end of my time there is pretty special.

What was your major / area of study while at UConn?

I studied Business Management. 

Who would you say was the player or Coach who helped you the most during your transition from college to the pro level?

Coach Mike Cavanaugh at UConn taught me a lot about what it means to be an adult and how to carry yourself the right way. Those ended up being important lessons for me both on and off the ice as I left school and moved into professional hockey. I also have a lot of respect for Coach Neil Graham and Coach Everett Sheen. I played for both of them during my time in Idaho and always appreciated their professionalism and how they ran their teams. 

You played two seasons in Europe; one in Sweden followed by one in France. What was it like to experience the different cultures and environments in those countries?

I consider playing hockey in Europe to be one of the luckiest things I’ve had the opportunity to do. To be able to see the world and play hockey at the same time was a tremendous experience. I learned quite a bit about other cultures and myself during my time over there. I found the whole experience to be very rewarding and worthwhile. 

What were the circumstances that led you to return to North America and what attracted you most to the Savannah Ghost Pirates?

Due to the implications of COVID on the ECHL during the 2020-21 season, I ended up playing in Europe a little bit earlier than I had initially planned. Because of this I always had it in the back of my mind that I would like to play in North America again. When I began to look for playing opportunities there were a lot of things about Savannah that really interested me. The new arena, along with the chance to establish a new culture and team in this community was very appealing. I couldn’t be more impressed with the support we’ve received from the fans and the people here in Savannah. It’s been very cool to see how they’ve embraced our team. 

How have you enjoyed playing in Savannah and what is the atmosphere like during games? What do you like most about the city? 

I have really enjoyed my time in Savannah. The atmosphere at the Enmarket Arena for home games is second to none in the league in my opinion. The city has quite a bit of character to it.  It reminds me of some of the places I saw in Europe in that respect. There is a strong sense of culture along with some great history and great food. But I think my favorite part has been the people. Everyone has been so kind and supportive, and I know that my teammates and I are very appreciative of that. 

Speaking of Ghost Pirates, to steal a question from Dr. Ray Stantz of the Ghostbusters, “Have you or your family ever seen a spook, spectre or ghost?” (Or believe in paranormal activity)?

I can’t say I’m a big paranormal activity guy myself. Savannah is supposed to be a haunted city and I know they offer night-time ghost tours, but I am yet to do one. 

It is evident from your social media that you enjoy traveling. What has been your favorite place you’ve visited so far, and where is a place you would like to go?

Traveling is definitely a passion of mine. I’ve been lucky to see some pretty cool places, but I think Paris is my favorite thus far. There is so much to do and see there and my appreciation of it only grew the more time I spent there. As far as places I would like to go… I think Switzerland, Thailand, and Banff (Alberta) would be on the top of my list. 

What do you enjoy doing most during the off-season? 

My favorite thing to do in the offseason is spend time with my friends and family. During hockey season we are oftentimes not able to see them for long stretches, including missing the odd holiday and what not. The summer for me is mostly about catching up with them. I also try to travel a bit, play some golf, and spend some time on the lakes in Minnesota. 

Tell us something about Minnesota that people who aren’t from there wouldn’t know. 

If people aren’t familiar with the “Minnesota Nice” slogan I think that is something that I’ve definitely found to be true the more I have traveled around. For some reason the people in Minnesota seem to be very friendly for the most part. It’s also a very nice place in the summertime. I think people are surprised by how nice it is when they visit for the first time. 

Favorite golf course you’ve ever played?

My friends and I played Edgewood during a trip to Lake Tahoe a few years ago. That or The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island I would say are my two favorites. 

What’s the most played song on your phone?

Anything by the Lumineers or Bastille. Those are probably my two favorite bands at the moment. 

Favorite hockey player growing up?

Sidney Crosby, he came into the NHL right when I began really getting interested in hockey. I would say he had a lot to do with me falling in love with the game. 

What advice would you give to guys that are just starting their professional careers?

Get out of your apartment and experience the area that you’re living in. Try the restaurants and meet new people. It’s easy to get into the habit of staying inside during the season and not doing much outside of hockey. Each place has something unique about it, use your free time to explore it.