Jan. 23, 2009
Box Score
MARQUETTE, Mich. – It was a tough night on the road for the No. 19 Alaska Nanooks hockey team, who watched their hosts, the Northern Michigan Wildcats, score twice to shut them out 2-0 Friday night at the Berry Events Center.
With the loss and a tie for Miami, Alaska (11-9-5, 9-8-4-3) falls into sole possession of third place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings, while the two-point night moves the Wildcats (7-13-3, 4-10-3-2) into a three-way tie for eighth in the CCHA.
After a scoreless first period, the Nanooks saw NMU light the lamp just 2:25 into the second stanza when they capitalized on an Alaska turnover. Jared Brown gave the ‘Cats the 1-0 lead with the unassisted tally and his fourth goal of the season. NMU gave the Blue and Gold three opportunities to even the score following their goal, but the Nanooks were unable to find their answer and solve NMU's netminder Brian Stewart.
The third period didn't get any better for the visitors as the ‘Cats received an insurance goal from Billy Smith for his first of the season at 8:58.
Hobey Baker candidate Chad Johnson had 22 saves, while Stewart turned aside 21 of the Nanooks' shots. Alaska went 0-5 on the power play and NMU was scoreless in three man-advantage attempts.
The two teams will face off Saturday for the second contest of the weekend at 7:35 p.m.
