MARQUETTE, Mich. – The Alaska Nanooks hockey team fell in a Western Collegiate Hockey Association contest on Friday, dropping a 2-1 overtime decision to the #20 Northern Michigan Wildcats at the Barry Events Center in Marquette. The loss drops Alaska's overall record to 11-16-2 and 9-13-1-1 in conference play, while the Wildcats improve to 19-11-3 on the season and 17-6-2-2 in conference play.
The Wildcats earn three WCHA points in Friday's loss, keeping them in first place in the conference standings while the Nanooks remain in seventh place at the time of article.
After a scoreless first period, Northern Michigan tallied a power play goal at the 17:39 mark to make it 1-0 in favor of the home team. NMU's Joseph Nardi scored his eighth goal of the season after a pass deflected off of a Nanook defender. Nardi's goal was assisted by Ryan Black and Darian Craighead.
Twenty-one seconds later, Alaska responded with an even-strength tally from senior forward
Tayler Munson to make it 1-1 at the 18:00 mark. Rookie forward
Steven Jandric recorded his 18th assist of the season after rifling a shot on NMU's goaltender Atte Tolvenan following a scrum in the slot. Tolvanen was able to make the initial save on Jandric's shot but Munson was there backdoor to clean up the rebound.
After another scoreless period, Alaska and Northern Michigan entered overtime with the Nanooks on the penalty kill. The Nooks were able to kill off the penalty and return to full strength but the Wildcats were able to seal the victory only 66 seconds into the extra period with a goal from Denver Pierce. Pierce's 17th goal of the season was assisted by Adam Rockwood and James Vermeulen.
In net, sophomore goaltender
Anton Martinsson registered a game-high 22 saves on the night, while Tolvanen turned away 17. The Nanooks were outshot by the home team 24-18. Alaska went 0-for-5 on the power play, while Northern Michigan went 1-for-7 on the man-advantage.
The Alaska Nanooks and the No. 20 Northern Michigan Wildcats face-off in another WCHA battle at the Barry Events Center tomorrow, with puck-drop slated for 3:07pm AKST.
For more information on the Alaska Nanooks hockey team, follow @NanooksHockey on Twitter or like the Alaska Nanooks Hockey team page on Facebook.
