When Robb Haider entered the world 18 years ago, even as an infant he seemed destined for the life of a rink rat.

But instead of picking up a goalie stick, he went for the thinner twig.

"He was too fast for goalie," joked his mom, Alana Haider.

Years later, he became too good of a player to stay in Alaska, where its best players usually leave high school early to play hockey elsewhere.

Or at least that's what others thought.

Last summer, Haider chose high school hockey and academics over skipping his senior year at South High to play junior hockey in Missouri.

Thanks to his decision to stay and lead South to another Class 4A state title, the Wolverines' captain was voted the 2007-08 Daily News/State Coaches Player of the Year for the second straight season.

Haider earned six player-of-the-year votes -- 10 of 18 coaches submitted ballots -- while Chugiak's Micah Wheeler was runner up.

"It makes a statement when players leave early for junior," Haider said. "Or you can stay here for four years and have the same experience."

Though many hockey experts would beg to differ, saying players develop for the college level faster in juniors, the 5-foot-8, 170-pounder knows he made the right choice.

Haider had many sleepless nights laboring over the decision many talented players face before graduating high school. He could play for the St. Louis Bandits of the Junior A North American Hockey League, or help the Wolverines capture their fourth straight state title and attend the classes he enjoys at South.

"Education always comes first in my family," said Haider, who holds a 4.0 GPA. "I really felt staying at South was the right thing."

Playing before an estimated 1,900 fans at Menard Memorial Arena in Wasilla last weekend for the Class 4A title was the highlight of his career.

He assisted freshman Brad Schierhorn on the game-winning goal that gave South the 4-3 double-overtime win over south-side rival Service. The Wolverines became the first Class 4A team to ever capture four straight championships.

"To win in double overtime was nuts," Haider said. "It was the best feeling in the world."

The sniper finished his career producing 71 goals and 62 assists for 133 points in 102 games to become the Wolverines' all-time leading scorer.

"He set the benchmark for forwards," said South coach Mike Ashley, who was voted Coach of the Year. "He had a huge impact last year, but this year was different."

Ashley was voted coach of the year for leading South (23-3-2) past its growing pains. It started in November when Dimond snapped the Wolverines' 49-game unbeaten streak.

Later that month, they fell to Service for the first time in program history. Then in the Cook Inlet Conference tournament, Chugiak spanked South 8-0 for its most lopsided loss in program history.

But the Wolverines persevered. They relied on Ashley's experience -- he's 183-30-5 in eight seasons -- and Haider's ability to take charge with two first-line underclassmen, Schierhorn and Connor Wright.

Haider earned 27-21--48 totals this season to lead South in scoring, averaged 1.78 goals a game and led the team with five game-winners. Last year he earned player of the year honors after finishing with career-best 30-24--54 totals.

Grabbing this year's honor extended South's streak to four seasons in which the program has produced the player of the year -- Sam Cehula (2006) and Evan Trupp (2005).

But Haider also put himself into another elite class, joining former East star and current New York Ranger Scott Gomez (1995, 1996) as the only two men to be named player of the year more than once.

Many former recipients are current or former Division I players and just two -- Gomez and Chugiak's Brian Swanson (1993) -- have played in The Show. Dozens of Alaskans could have been candidates, but left school early for junior hockey.

Ashley said Haider will do just fine in juniors, despite four years of high school hockey.

"Robb has the same opportunity to play juniors as he did last year," said Ashley, who feels too many young Alaskans leave the state too early.

"Look at what you miss," he said. "He's got a legacy now."

Find Kevin Klott online at adn.com/contact/kklott or call 257-4335.

2006-07 Anchorage Daily News/State Coaches

All-State Hockey Team

Player of the Year -- Robb Haider, South.

Coach of the Year -- Mike Ashley, South.

First Team

Forward -- Robb Haider, South; Logan Rounds, Service; Micah Wheeler, Chugiak.

Defense -- David Piccard, East; Cody Mesick, Dimond.

Goaltender -- James McCurtain, Chugiak.

Second Team

Forward -- Erik Cooper, Dimond; Nolan Youngmun, Dimond; James McMullen, Chugiak.

Defense -- Trevor Allred, South; Dax Lauwers, Dimond.

Goaltender -- Mickey Geraghty, Dimond.

Honorable Mention

Forward -- Kory Roy, Service; Brad Schierhorn, South; Ryan Kowal, Service; Connor
Wright, South; Blake Huppert, Colony; Adam Friese, Wasilla; Hayden Trupp, Service; Jon Ellis, East; Ben Henne, West Valley; Clayton Glick, Soldotna; Casey Bailey, West.

Defense -- Zack Morse, Chugiak; Matt Geurts, Chugiak; Daniel Carson, South; Ben Barber, Wasilla; Patrick Donlan, Service; Dylan Troisi, Wasilla; Ray Stenehjem, South; Chase Van Allen, Service; A.J. King, Bartlett.

Goaltender -- Garrett Barr, South; Cody Gongora, Service; Josh Benton, South; Mike McGrath, Soldotna; Jake Dargis, Wasilla.