Colton Beck is the PHPA Player Representative for the Iowa Wild of the American Hockey League (AHL). Beck signed with the Minnesota Wild organization after 4 seasons in the NCAA with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks. He was named Team Captain in his senior season, scoring 39 points in 37 games. The Langley, BC native has been with the Iowa Wild since 2016 and has now played in over 250 career AHL games.
How did you become a PHPA Representative and what are some of your roles and responsibilities?
Maxime Fortunus, who the PHPA knows quite well, passed the role down to me when he left Iowa. Basically, I am the middle man for contact between my teammates and the PHPA. I try and help educate guys in what the union can do for us and when guys have issues direct them to the right member of the PHPA.
What was it like to live in Alaska for 4 years? What do you remember most about living there?
It was a great experience. I got to do a lot of things in the outdoors I may have never done in my life if I hadn’t gone there. I think some of the best memories up there surrounded the Governor’s Cup. It is the battle of Alaska, University of Alaska vs University of Alaska Anchorage. We were able to win that all four years I was there, and the school recently completed a 10-year sweep of Anchorage.
What was your major / area of study while attending the University of Alaska?
I majored in Business Administration with a minor in Accounting.
What is your favourite hockey memory to date?
There’s been so many along the way it’s tough to pinpoint one but I’m still chasing after a championship, so I hope my favorite memory is still to come.
Who are your top 3 favourite musical artists? Who do you listen to when working out at the gym?
The Lumineers, The Tragically Hip and Kygo are a few of my go to artists. Kygo is played quite often in the gym.
Who are some current/former teammates or coaches that have had a big impact on your growth as a player? Why?
I think I’ve taken something from each coach and teammate I’ve had along the way. I’ve been pretty fortunate to play on teams where everyone genuinely likes and cares for each other and this year’s team in Iowa is probably the best I’ve seen.
Having played in Iowa, Idaho, Alaska, St. John’s, and Langley, if you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
We spend our summers in Kelowna, BC now and I think that’s a pretty hard place to beat. Having spent such a long period of time in Iowa now we look at Des Moines as a second home.
Favourite movies of all time?
Wedding Crashers and Catch Me If You Can.
How has Fatherhood changed your lifestyle? What would you say is the best part about being a Dad?
Fatherhood has been a great change! Makes you put a lot of things into perspective. It’s crazy how fast the time goes by and how my son has gone from a baby to a little boy in no time. Having my son around the rink and at games has been pretty surreal. Hopefully he’ll fall in love with the game too.
How do you enjoy spending time during the off-season?
I try to relax and get away from it for a bit before starting training again. Spending time with the family, enjoying the weather, some golf and catching up with friends and family we miss during the season.
Any advice for kids growing up playing today?
Dream big, have fun and be a good person!
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