Feb. 2, 2008
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FAIRBANKS, AK- It wasn't always pretty, but three scrappy goals and a dedicated, workmanlike effort from the Alaska Nanooks were enough to secure a big win and an important series sweep over Western Michigan, 3-2. Two third-period goals from the Broncos caused some anxious moments for the 2,901 fans packed in the Carlson Center, but the Blue and Gold defense held to send the Nanooks into a tie for seventh place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings.
Landon Novotney opened and closed the scoring for the Nanooks, giving the freshman a team-best 12 goals on the season. T.J. Campbell would fire in his second of the year as well in helping Alaska to a 3-0 advantage that they would not relinquish.
"We are at the point in the season right now where you can't get too high and you can't get too low, but it was a gutsy performance from the guys tonight," head coach Doc DelCastillo said afterwards. "I thought we kept our composure pretty well, and played well the last five minutes."
The game got off to a breathtaking start, as both goaltenders were called into action within the first minute of play. WMU's Max Campbell's shot from long range required a pad save from Rogers almost straight off the opening faceoff, while the Broncos Riley Gill had to keep out a Braden Walls backhand soon after.
Both defenses had been warned, but it would be Alaska who would jump ahead through Novotney. Collecting the puck behind the net, a smart pass from Sather found Friday night hero Dion Knelsen right in front of goal. Gill was somehow able to keep the sophomore's shot out from point blank range, but the puck sat invitingly on the doorstep, where it was turned in by a Novotney backhand.
The goal was the freshman's eleventh of the campaign, while Sather and Knelsen recorded their 14th and 15th assists, respectively.
Ryan Hohl nearly opened his Nanook account (and doubled the team's lead) midway through the first. Gill could only deflect a Penner blast with his pads, and the rebound bounced directly to the on-rushing Hohl. The Bowling Green transfer could not get good wood on his shot, however, and the puck drifted agonizingly wide with the goal gaping.
Western Michigan chances in the first period were few and far between, coming mostly on the Broncos' two early power play opportunities. Nathan Ansell had a blistering shot that needed a stick save from Rogers, while Campbell was likewise denied on a couple of occasions, first stuffed by an extended Rogers during an goalmouth scramble before firing just wide on a one-timer from the point. But the Nanook goal was never seriously threatened in the opening frame, as the Alaska penalty kill did its job.
The Nanooks came out firing again in the second period, as Sather very nearly found the net. Naglich led Alaska on a two-on-one break, drawing a defender before sliding a pass for Sather directly in front of goal. Gill did well, however, bravely diving at the feet of the oncoming freshman to snuff out the chance.
Alaska was getting a number of opportunities from rebounds, and soon T.J. Campbell would make Gill and Broncos pay. The captain forced home his second goal of the homestand following a wild goalmouth scramble after Western Michigan's netminder could only parry initial attempts from Sather and Walls.
The home side was flying now, and the two goalscorers then combined to create a third for the Nanooks. After Tyler Eckford found Campbell out on the point, the senior captain put a speculative shot in on goal, which, aided by a Novotney deflection, looped up over a helpless Gill and into the Bronco net.
The Broncos found a lifeline early in the second period, benefiting from an extra attacker on a delayed Nanook penalty. Tyler Ludwig found Campbell, who had just stepped onto the ice, streaking down the right wing. The freshman laid a perfecting centering pass onto the stick of the onrushing Frank, who made no mistake from close range.
The rejuvenated Western Michigan attack would have the Nanooks on the back foot for much of the final stanza, and the Broncos would give the home side even more cause for concern when they found a second goal just five minutes from time. Center Patrick Nagorsen slid a clever improvised pass between the legs of Braden Walls to find Ryan Watson directly in front of goal. Receiving the puck with his back to goal, Watson turned and angled a quick shot into the side netting, leaving Rogers no chance.
Alaska had the clock on their side, however, and though the Broncos would get a flurry of shots in the final few minutes, none could find their way through the Alaska defense. Jeff LoVecchio would get the best chance as he created space for himself inside the circles, but his shot sailed well over the bar, and the Nanooks held on for the win.
Alaska now heads back out on the road for two games at Bowling Green next weekend before returning home for its final regular season home series against Notre Dame on Feb. 16-17.
