Two years from now the 18-year-old from Stratford will be attending the Alaskan university on a full hockey scholarship.

“Obviously a big weight off my shoulders and I guess you can say my parents, too,” Nash said this week during some time back home. “It's something you kind of work for. You set that goal, and to say I achieved it I'm very happy about it.”

Nash, who spent the previous two seasons with the Cullitons, is in his first season with the Penticton Vees of the BCHL. The five-foot-11, 190-pound forward has three goals and 14 points while playing on the same team as former Stratford teammate Joe Leahy.

“It's a lot faster,” Nash said. “There is a lot of depth. I think if I were to compare it to Junior B here you're playing against four good, solid lines.”

Nash has adapted to his role as a two-way player with more defensive responsibilities.

“I feel I'm starting to focus more on the little things,” he said. “As you get up higher in the game you gotta find ways to be productive. Winning faceoffs, key faceoffs, and making sure I'm finishing my checks. I find I'm doing it really well and (head coach) Fred (Harbinson) is happy.”

University of Anchorage representatives met with Nash in October following a 6-3 win in West Kelowna.

“I couldn't say the name properly,” he said. “That's when Matt Thomas, the head coach of UAA, talked to me after the game and shared some interest and that's where it started.”'

Nash grew up playing minor hockey in Stratford under coaches like Bill Pickering and Jay Bogdon before joining the Huron-Perth Lakers triple-A program.

He had 28 goals and 86 points in 90 regular season games for the Cullitons and added 10 goals and 35 points in 38 playoff games. Stratford head coach Dave Williams preached not getting complacent, and Nash has used that to get better.

“When I look at the Cullitons they gave me the big push,” Nash said. “This is where it all started for me. My first year here was a great first year of junior. I was welcomed. The second year I gained confidence and really got to have a great year with great memories, and obviously (winning) the Cherrey Cup to this day is my best hockey experience. Stratford moulded me and made me ready for Penticton and I thank them greatly for that.”