Wisconsin assistant coach Kevin Patrick is pouring all his energies into landing the job as head coach of Alaska, the Central Collegiate Hockey Association entry located in Fairbanks.

 That's why he removed his name from consideration as a candidate for the opening at Green Bay, the Tier I junior program in the U.S. Hockey League.

 Patrick, a UW assistant since 2005, is one of two finalists for the job of coaching the Nanooks following the abrupt resignation of Doc Del Castillo after the 2007-08 season.

 Alaska assistant Dallas Ferguson is scheduled to be interviewed Wednesday. Patrick will be interviewed Thursday. The new hire will be announced next week by athletic director Forrest Karr, a former Madison Edgewood High School goaltender who, like Patrick, graduated from Notre Dame after playing for the Fighting Irish.