FAIRBANKS – An overtime goal by Colton Beck gave the Alaska Fairbanks Nanooks Game 1 of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association First Round with a 3-2 victory on Thursday night at the Carlson Center.
The Seawolves (16-15-4) didn't trail until 3:40 in overtime when the Nanooks (18-13-4) found the game-winning goal in just the teams second time ever meeting in the postseason – the teams met March 7, 1992 in the Independent tournament in Fairbanks. UAA led twice, and UAF responded twice, tying the contest on two occasions in regulation.
After a scoreless opening stanza, freshman Tanner Dusyk gave the Seawolves the first strike after -capitalizing on a 2-on-1 rush. With 2:44 expired in the second, Dusyk picked up his second of the season, beating Sean Cahill, glove side with a wrister, unassisted.
The one-goal lead held for over nine minutes before Justin Woods collected his own rebound and converted on a wrap-around goal for his first collegiate tally at 11:59. Assists went to Nolan Youngmun and Shawn Hochhausen.
Breaking a 14-game goal drought, sophomore Blake Tatchell picked Jared Larson's pocket in the offensive zone, skated around three defenders before returning the lead to UAA at 6:24 of the third.
A costly roughing call on freshman Dylan Hubbs set up UAF's game-tying goal with 6:06 left in regulation. Josh Atkinson fed Marcus Basara in the slot to beat senior Rob Gunderson, five hole, giving fans the first overtime between the two teams since Dec. 29, 2007. The in-state rivals tied, 2-2.
Following a 15-minute intermission, Colton Beck gave the Nanooks the 3-2 win with a wrister, 3:40 into extra minutes.
The Nanooks were without Trevor Campbell, who skated off in the first period and Tyler Morley, who was injured on March 7 vs. UAF.
The Seawolves and Nanooks will square off again tomorrow at 7:07 p.m. AST, and Saturday, if should UAA win tomorrow night. The winner will advance to the WCHA Final Five in Grand Rapids, Mich., March 21-22.
