By the sounds of things, Wisconsin assistant coach Kevin Patrick made a good impression on the folks in Alaska.

 One of two finalists for the job as head coach of the Nanooks, a Central Collegiate Hockey Association program located in Fairbanks, Patrick formally interviewed for the post Thursday.

 As part of that process, Patrick took questions from a group of approximately 70 fans.

 Patrick talked about the importance of building relationships with his new players and the support staff; about having a specific plan heading into each season and sticking to it; about his goal of competing for championships.

 Patrick, 39, said that if he was hired -- a decision is expected sometime next week -- he would look to add Dallas Ferguson as his top assistant.

 Ferguson is the other finalist for the job. A former Nanooks player and assistant under the previous two Alaska coaches -- Tavis MacMillian resigned after the 2006-07 season and Doc Del Castillo stepped down after the 2007-08 season -- Ferguson was interviewed Wednesday.

 Not a surprise that Patrick didn't return a call to his cell phone Friday. He and his wife, Julie, spent the day traveling back to Madison via Seattle and Minneapolis.

 The hiring decision will be made by Alaska athletic director Forrest Karr, a former Madison Edgewood High School goaltender who, like Patrick, played for and graduated from Notre Dame.