FAIRBANKS, Alaska – In-state rival Alaska Fairbanks knotted the Alaska Airlines Governor's Cup series with Alaska Anchorage, defeating the Seawolves, 3-1, and splitting the Western Collegiate Hockey Association series at the Carlson Center on Saturday evening.
A day after the Seawolves (3-13-2, 2-8-2 WCHA) won, 3-2 in Game 1 of the four-game Cup series, the Nanooks (5-11-2, 4-8-2 WCHA) responded in Game 2, for a 1-1 record headed into the final two games in late February. UAA enters the final two series' games looking for its first Cup title since 2009.
UAF, which leads the all-time Cup series, 12-8, used special teams to split the series and collected the three conference points. The Nanooks furnished two power-play goals, going 2-for-7 on the man advantage and a shorthanded strike for the win. Meanwhile, UAA's lone goal was also scored on the power play.
After trailing 3-0 in the final period, junior defenseman Tanner Johnson collected his first of the season, scoring at 14:57 and cutting the Nanook lead to two. Johnson received a drop pass from captain Matt Anholt and fired a one-timer from the top of the right circle, beating netminder Jesse Jenks high and glove side.
Anholt's assist marked his team-high seventh helper and 11th point, while junior forward Tad Kozun picked up the second assist. Kozun is now tied for second on the team with eight points.
UAF's goals were scored by Colton Leiter (6:00, 2nd), Ryker Leer (15:40, 2nd) and Troy Van Tetering (7:40, 3rd).
Both teams spent a significant amount of time in the penalty box. UAA was tagged for 10 minor penalties, while UAF was whistled for 11. UAA enjoyed eight power plays, capitalizing on one.
In net for UAA was junior, two-time team MVP, Olivier Mantha. Mantha turned aside 27 shots, while Jenks made 26 saves. The Seawolves were out shot, 30-27.
In the WCHA standings, UAA remains in ninth place ahead of Northern Michigan, who fell to Alabama Huntsville for the second straight night.
UAA will enjoy the next two weekends off before hosting Bemidji State, Dec. 30-31 at the Sullivan Arena. Those games are scheduled for 1:37 p.m. AST both days.
