Alaska Gold Kings

The Alaska Gold Kings, also known as the Fairbanks Gold Kings, have a rich history dating back to the 1970s. They began as an independent senior men's hockey team, which was a rarity in Alaska during that era. Unlike most teams in the contiguous United States, which joined established leagues after World War II, the Gold Kings played independently, even facing international teams like the Soviet Union.

In the 1990s, they joined the West Coast Hockey League (WCHL), but after two less successful seasons, the team relocated to Denver and became the Colorado Gold Kings. Unfortunately, the Gold Kings' iconic name was no longer seen in Alaska. Nevertheless, as of 2023, the Fairbanks Ice Dogs have taken their place and thrived as an amateur team in the city for 20 successful seasons.