FAIRBANKS, ALASKA – Nicolas Erb-Ekholm scored twice to lead Alaska Anchorage to a 5-3 WCHA win at in-state rival Alaska Fairbanks Friday.

"It's a good win," said head coach Matt Thomas. "We capitalized on our opportunities early and played a strong game. Proud of the effort of our guys."

The Seawolves offense exploded for three goals in the first period.

Austin Azurdia scored his team-leading 12th goal of the season to give the Seawolves the lead at 7:34 of the first. Jeremiah Luedtke and Tad Kozun each recorded assists.

Less than two minutes later, Nicolas Erb-Ekholm scored his first goal of the game through the five-hole of Anton Martinsson. Assists came from Jarrett Brown and Tomi Hiekkavirta.

Alec Butcher sent a pass to Jarrett Brown who buried the puck with a one-timer near the post. Austin Azurdia notched his second point of the game with an assist on the goal at 18:20 of the first.

UAA opened the scoring in the second period with a wrap-around goal by Alec Butcher at 6:59.

After a goal by UAF at 12:01, Nicolas Erb-Ekholm scored his second goal of the contest at 16:11. Nanooks goalie Anton Martinsson got caught behind the net allowing Erb-Ekholm to score the short-handed goal on an empty net.

The Seawolves were whistled for two five-minute major penalties late in the third period which led to a pair of UAF goals, both scored on a 6-on-3 advantage.

The two teams combined for 61 penalty minutes. UAA finished 1-for-5 on the powerplay, and UAF was 2-for-5.

UAA had four different players record two points in the game and eight players recorded a point.

The win snapped the Seawolves seven-game losing streak to the Nanooks.

The last time Alaska Anchorage scored five goals in a game was a 5-3 win over Northern Michigan on Dec. 2, 2016.

Olivier Mantha made 35 saves in goal for UAA.

UAF led 38-27 in shots.

Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks will close the series Saturday.