ANCHORAGE –Alaska Anchorage's return to the Sullivan Arena didn't favor the Seawolves as they fell 3-1 to the visiting Ferris State Bulldogs, 4-1 in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association game on Thursday evening.
After scoring first for the second straight game, the Seawolves (5-10-4, 2-9-2 WCHA) allowed three straight Bulldog's goals for the league win. The win breaks a four-game losing streak for Ferris State (10-11-1, 7-6-0 WCHA), while extending UAA's losing streak to three games.
The Seawolves led 1-0 following an even-strength tally by junior Blake Leask. Recruited as a defenseman, Leask has dressed in 15 games this season as a forward while furnishing a career-high three goals. Tonight's strike came courtesy of senior line mates Scott Allen and Brett Cameron at 9:45 of the second period.
Ferris State's Kyle Schempp deadlocked the game at 15:45 of the frame and the 1-1 tie held until 25 seconds into the final period when Simon Denis struck with the game-winning tally. Justin Buzzeo increased the Bulldog lead at 12:06, before Matt Robertson collected the empty net strike at 19:11.
Both teams were scoreless on the man advantage, with UAA going 0-for-5 and FSU scoreless on three. Freshman Olivier Mantha (4-7-3) posted 19 saves in the loss, while captain CJ Mott (10-11-1) turned aside 17. The Bulldogs led shots on goal, 23-18.
Playing in his first collegiate game tonight was sophomore forward Connor Wright of Anchorage, who placed one shot on goal in the opening stanza.
Bulldogs extended their winning streak to seven games against the Seawolves as UAA will look for its first win over FSU since 1986 tomorrow evening. Tonight's game marks just the second time the teams have met in Anchorage and are now tied, 1-1.
The teams reunite tomorrow night at 7:07 p.m. AST. The night will also double as Military Appreciation Day, where valid military ID card holders can purchase a $5 ticket for themselves and family or can get in free with a canned food item to benefit the Armed Services YMCA of Alaska.
Also during the game, fans will be treated to the trophy presentation from the Army vs. Air Force game, an Army vs. Air Force Tug-of-War, interactive community displays, and Humvee, weapon, arctic training and EOD displays.
