MADISON, Wis. - Five unanswered goals led the Wisconsin Badgers over the Alaska Anchorage Seawolves, 5-1 in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game at the Kohl Center on Friday night in front of 11,870 spectators.
The Seawolves (4-7-0, 2-5-0 WCHA) lone tally was posted by junior forward Craig Parkinson on the power play after he sent a backhander into the mesh at 6:54 of the third frame of play. Freshmen forwards Daniel Naslund and Mickey Spencer were credited with the assists on Parkinson third tally of the season.
Sparked by a Wisconsin (5-3-1, 3-3-1 WCHA) goal within just 14 seconds of the game, the Badgers gained the momentum early and carried it through most of the 60 minutes of play. Wisconsin added two more goals in the first period and one in the second and third for the final.
Picking up a season first for Wisconsin was freshman forward Craig Smith at 00:14, unassisted. Junior defenseman Cody Goloubef extended the lead to two at 12:50 with the game-winner, before senior forward Aaron Bendickson scored his first goal of the season at 18:53 on the man advantage.
The second period was uneventful until a Badger goal at 12:08 from senior forward Michael Davis, followed by numerous roughing penalties. With a man down, Wisconsin added their final tally at 5:36 of the third with Bendickson's second goal of the evening - the fourth shorthanded goal UAA has allowed this season.
In net for the Seawolves was senior Jon Olthuis (2-4-0), who faced a season-high 37 shots, recording a season-best 32 saves. UW's junior goaltender Brett Bennett (4-2-0) picked up the victory with 19 saves. UW easily outshot UAA, who only found the net 20 times.
In a penalty-filled game, UAA and UW combined for 63 minutes in the box. The Seawolves were tagged for 14-31, while the Badgers were whistled for 16-32. Both teams were 1-8 on the power play.
The Seawolves continue their losing streak on the road, dropping the last three conference games.
The Seawolves were short three of their skaters, as junior defenseman Kane Lafranchise was out following a game disqualification for kneeing on Nov. 7, and junior forward Sean Wiles and sophomore Jade Portwood sat out with injuries.
The Seawolves and the Badgers will rematch on Nov. 14 the Kohl Center at 4:07 p.m. AST. Follow the game on GCI Channel 1, KTZN 550 AM or with live stats at UWBadgers.com
