Seawolves upset No. 2 North Dakota

ANCHORAGE - Kevin Clark and Kane Lafranchise netted second-period goals and goalie Bryce Christianson made 22 saves Saturday as Alaska Anchorage upset undefeated and No. 2 North Dakota, 2-1, in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game at Sullivan Arena.

After a scoreless first period, the Seawovles came out with full force in the second to claim a two-goal lead. UAA improves to 3-3-0 overall and 1-1-0 in conference play, while UND falls to 4-1-1 and 2-1-1 in the WCHA.

With just 30 seconds gone in the second period, Clark received a pass from freshman defenseman Lee Baldwin, wrapped around the net and slid the puck past sophomore goaltender Brad Eidsness.

At 13:54 of the frame, Lafranchise extended UAA's lead with his first goal of the season, on the power play. Junior Tommy Grant assisted on the play as the Seawolves broke UND's season-long perfection on the penalty kill.

Meanwhile, Christian mimicked a brick wall until UND senior Darcy Zajac scored with 1:26 remaining in the game. The Fighting Sioux pulled Eidsness with 25 seconds left but were unable to tie it.

The Seawolves found the back of the net on one-of-five power play opportunities, while UND was scoreless on four attempts.

UAA was tagged for five penalties, serving 10 minutes in the box. The Fighting Sioux were whistled on six penalties for 12 minutes.

Christianson received his first win of the season, along with a the night's No. 1 star honor. Eidsness suffered his first loss of the season, dropping his record to 3-1-1.

The Seawolves begin their first conference road series at Minnesota on Oct. 30 and Nov. 1. The puck is scheduled to drop at 4:07 p.m. on Friday and 1:07 p.m. on Sunday.

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Players Mentioned

#9 Kevin Clark: F; 5' 8"; Freshman; R

#1 Bryce Christianson: G; 6' 2"; Freshman; L

#16 Tommy Grant: F; 6' 2"; Freshman; L

#4 Kane Lafranchise: D; 6' 1"; Freshman; L

#7 Lee Baldwin: D; 6' 4"; Freshman; L

Players Mentioned

#9 Kevin Clark
: 5' 8"; Freshman; R
: F

#1 Bryce Christianson
: 6' 2"; Freshman; L
: G

#16 Tommy Grant
: 6' 2"; Freshman; L
: F

#4 Kane Lafranchise
: 6' 1"; Freshman; L
: D

#7 Lee Baldwin
: 6' 4"; Freshman; L
: D