FAIRBANKS, AK - Special teams proved the difference in the #16 Alaska Nanooks second encounter with the Western Michigan Broncos as the visitors scored a pair of power-play goals and held the home team scoreless Saturday night and winless on the weekend.
The 2-0 shutout at the hands of the Broncos (11-6-5, 5-5-4-3 CCHA) was just the second time the Nanooks (9-7-4, 6-6-4-2 CCHA) were shutout this season. Despite the let down they held onto fifth place in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association standings, while WMU held on to 8th.
The Broncos scored almost identical power-play goals at 18:56 of the first and second periods off the sticks of Dan Walters and Max Campbell.
WMU netminder Jerry Kuhn earned his first career shutout turning aside all 33 of Alaska's shots. He was a key reason why the home team was unable to capitalize on any of their seven man-advantage opportunities.
Alaska ventures south next week for their annual two-week road trip. They face Notre Dame next weekend (Jan. 14-15) and Michigan the weekend that follows (Jan. 21-22).
Alaska's junior goalie
Scott Greenham had 17 saves in the loss.
