Men's Ice Hockey | 2/18/2017 1:23:00 AM

BOX SCORE

FAIRBANKS, Alaska - The Alaska Nanooks hockey team used a strong second and third period to earn a huge WCHA victory over Lake Superior State, 4-2 at the Carlson Center on Friday.

Lake Superior State (11-15-5, 8-12-5 WCHA) got the scoring started midway through the first period off an Alaska (10-18-3, 9-13-3 WCHA) turnover. Brayden Gelsinger collected the puck and passed it across the slot to Diego Cuglietta. Cuglietta found a crashing Gus Correale for the early lead.

The Nanooks began to find their stride in the final three minutes of the first period. Josh Erickson found himself left alone in front for a couple of chances on Lakers' goaltender Gordon Defiel. Defiel (11-13-5) stopped both opportunities at point-blank range.

Alaska found the scoreboard quickly in the second period, scoring 24 seconds into the frame. Tyler Cline came streaking into the Lake Superior zone and scored his second goal of the season. The Nanooks grabbed the lead only 55 seconds later when freshman Kylar Hope connected on a one-timer with Colton Leiter in the slot. Hope's assist gave him his first collegiate point.

UAF finished the game outshooting Lake Superior 35-22, including a 17-7 edge in that second period.

The third period continued in similar fashion in Alaska's favor. Josh Erickson threw a back-handed shot at the net that bounced back into the slot. Ryker Leer fired the loose puck home for his third goal of the season four minutes into the final stanza.

Marcus Basara completed UAF's four-goal run when he scored his ninth goal of the season four minutes later on another rebound, while falling down. Goalie Nick Kossoff was then called upon to replace Defiel in the net. Kossoff stopped all six shots he faced.

Bryan Bascilico cut the lead to 4-2 midway through the period, beating goaltender Davis Jones for the final time of the night. Jones (5-9-2) stopped 21 of the 23 shots he faced.

Alaska, with its victory and three points, now sits in sixth place and is three points ahead of ninth-place Alabama-Huntsville for a WCHA postseason spot.

The Nanooks have three games left on their schedule in the regular season and wrap up their home slate against the same Lake Superior State, Saturday night at 7:07 p.m. Four Nanook seniors – Marcus Basara, Josh Erickson, Davis Jones and Brandon Morley - will be recognized before the game.

For more information on the Alaska Nanooks hockey team, follow @NanooksHockey on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Hockey team page on Facebook.