Box Score FAIRBANKS – Blake Tatchell scored in overtime to lift Alaska Anchorage over the Alaska Nanooks, 3-2, for the second consecutive night in Alaska Airlines Governor's Cup and Western Collegiate Hockey Association play.
Highlights
The Seawolves (7-10-4, 4-9-2 WCHA) now hold a 2-0 lead in the season series, meaning Alaska (12-11-1, 7-10-1 WCHA) will now have to win both games in Anchorage in March to force a shootout to decide the Governor's Cup.
UAF Postgame Interview
Alaska trailed early after the Seawolves' Austin Azurdia and Matt Anholt combined to score on a 2-on-1 fastbreak. The Nanooks pressed desperately for an equalizing goal, but their 16 shots in the opening period were all stopped by Olivier Mantha.
Brandon Morley did tie the game at the 6:28 mark of the second period, as he slammed home the rebound following a shot by Trevor Campbell. The game would only stay tied for a few minutes, however, as Dylan Hubbs scrambled a puck home after his initial shot was blocked.
The Nanooks looked more and more likely to score as they piled on the offensive pressure, and finally were rewarded with a goal with just 1:16 left in the game and their net empty, as Shawn Hocchausen scored on the rebound after Tyler Morley and Garrick Perry combined to force a great chance.
Neither team created many chances in the overtime period until Tatchell scored at the 3:07 mark to give UAA the victory.
Overall, Alaska forced Mantha into 46 saves, while Sean Cahill made 13 saves in the loss.
Both teams failed to generate anything on the power play as UAA went 0-2 and Alaska was a combined 0-7.
The Nanooks will look to rebound against Michigan Tech next weekend when they travel to the Upper Peninsula for a weekend series against the No. 11 ranked Huskies.
