FAIRBANKS - On Thursday afternoon, NCAA Division I Independent Hockey announced their men's ice hockey monthly award winners. Alaska goaltender Lassi Lehti was named December Co-Goalie of the Month among independent teams.

The Nanooks played in four games during the month of December, splitting against Augustana on Dec. 6-7 at home before going 1-1 at the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off in Milwaukee, Wis. In both of their wins, Lassi Lehti was in net. The junior goalie from Espoo, Finland posted a 2-0-0 record behind 55 saves, a .965 save percentage, and 1.00 GAA.

On Dec. 7 in Fairbanks, Lehti grabbed 29 saves in Alaska's 2-1 win. On Dec. 29 in Milwaukee, Lehti made 26 saves as the Nanooks picked up a 4-1 win over Ferris State to earn a third-place finish at the 2024 Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off.

Head coach Erik Largen shared his thoughts on the junior netminder's December performances. "It's great to see Lassi be rewarded for his hard work and team-first attitude. He has jumped into the net and performed extremely well in his two outings this month. We look forward to seeing his progression in the second half of the year."

The Nanooks return to the ice tomorrow at 4:07 p.m. AKT in Duluth, Minn. for their first game against the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs.

NCAA Division I Independent Hockey consists of five teams (Alaska, Alaska Anchorage, Lindenwood, LIU and Stonehill) that do not compete in a conference.

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