It turns out Alaska-Fairbanks and the WCHA just aren’t Peter Krieger’s style.

That’s why the forward from Oakdale, Minn., is in the process of transferring to Minnesota Duluth. He would have been the Nanooks’ leading returning scorer next season after posting four goals and 16 assists as a sophomore to finish third on the team in 2015-16.

Instead, he’ll sit out all of 2016-17 and just practice with the Bulldogs before playing as a junior in 2017-18.

“I had a great two years up here. I have nothing bad to say about it,” Krieger said from Fairbanks on Monday where he was still finishing up this semester’s class work. The 22-year-old is majoring in criminal justice. “I just wanted to try and be proactive and try and make a change for me and my hockey career going forward.”

Krieger said he requested his official release from Alaska a few weeks ago. He is seeking a more skilled style of play that is closer to what he experienced in juniors with Waterloo in the United States Hockey League, with Aberdeen in the North American Hockey League and in his three seasons at St. Thomas Academy, where he played alongside former Bulldog Justin Crandall in 2009-10.

Krieger posted 31 goals and 60 assists from 2009-12 at St. Thomas. He continued to produce in juniors, tallying 22 goals and 32 assists in Aberdeen and 26 goals and 41 assists in Waterloo.

It was after his 54-point season in Aberdeen that Krieger verbally committed to Alaska, which he said was more aggressive in recruiting him than Bemidji State, Minnesota State-Mankato and Union.

“I wish I would have asked the hard questions and really looked at their style of play, because that’s what ultimately caused me to leave,” said Krieger, who mustered only nine goals and 24 assists in two seasons with the Nanooks as a wing. He played center in juniors and high school. “I got along great with the coaching staff, the guys on the team. I have nothing but great things to say about it.”

Krieger described the style of play in the WCHA as hard-working, but not as skilled, with the exception of Michigan Tech, Minnesota State and Bowling Green. He said most teams in the WCHA are staying away from a skilled game to a “whatever-it-takes-to-win” style.

WCHA teams combined to average an NCAA Division I-worst 2.53 goals per game this season, with just Tech averaging more than three goals per game. The WCHA was second-to-last at 2.52 goals per game in 2014-15.

Krieger said after getting released from Alaska, he only contacted two schools, the Bulldogs and NCHC rival St. Cloud State, ultimately choosing UMD.

“I just want to be in an environment that played similar to how I do,” Krieger said. “When I had the opportunity to come to Duluth, it was a no-brainer for me. Being from Minnesota, it’s an honor to wear the Bulldog sweater.

“I’ve loved the city, I’ve been up there numerous times. Playing at Alaska, we travel to Michigan Tech and we stopped in Duluth the last two years to practice at the rink there, Amsoil, and it’s unbelieveable. It’s top-notch.”