Box Score SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The Alaska Nanook hockey team returned to winning ways in a wild, 7-5, victory over Western Collegiate Hockey Association rival, Lake Superior State on Friday night.
Marcus Basara (2), Nolan Huysmans, Peter Krieger, Zach Frye, Colton Paryako and Tayler Munson were all on the scoresheet for the Nanooks who now improve to 6-5-0 overall and 1-4-0 in the WCHA.
"It's nice to start the road trip off with a win and pick up our first two WCHA points," said head coach Dallas Ferguson.
Continued Ferguson, "I was happy with our execution with the puck. It was great to see the guys finish the plays that they did."
The Nanooks took the lead twice in the first period, but both time the Lakers (2-11-0, 2-7-0 WCHA) battled back to tie the game. Huysmans gave Alaska the lead momentarily, as he scored from Shawn Hochhausen just 1:47 into the game. Lake Superior's Austin McKay answered four minutes later however.
Then, at the 14:48 mark, Krieger netted to reestablish the Nanooks' one goal advantage. With just five seconds left on the clock in the first, Chris Ciotti beat Alaska's John Keeney to tie the game at the intermission.
Alaska exploded for three unanswered goals in a glorious second period to give them a 5-2 advantage. Frye tallied just 1:29 into the period before Basara and Paryako tacked on back-to-back power play goals.
Tayler Munson put the game out of the Lakers' reach as he scored early in the third period to make the score 6-2. However, Lake Superior State lumbered their way back into the game as they scored three goals in the final 16 minutes to give the Nanooks a nervy opening WCHA win. Basara's second of the game at the 5:44 mark was much the much needed insurance to seal a 7-5 win.
"We need to tighten up in our defensive zone; we can't give up five goals and expect to be successful in this conference," said Ferguson. "But, we are pleased with the win. Now we reset and prepare to be better tomorrow. Saturday will be a battle that we will be prepared for."
Tomorrow's series finale is set to begin at 3:07 p.m. AKT.
