FAIRBANKS - The Nanooks hockey team opens up their 2025-26 regular-season on Friday and Saturday as the RV Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs come to the Carlson for a two-game series.
Friday, Oct. 3
vs. RV Minnesota Duluth | 7:07 p.m.
Fairbanks | Carlson Center
Saturday, Oct. 4
vs. RV Minnesota Duluth | 7:07 p.m.
Fairbanks | Carlson Center
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Tickets
Last Time Out
The Nanooks swept their exhibition openers last weekend at home. They defeated UNLV 3-0 on Friday, Sept. 26 behind a shutout performance from
Lassi Lehti. They then blanked the Briercrest Clippers on Saturday, Sept. 27 with an 8-0 win.
Calvin Vachon posted the shutout win for the Nanooks in the night two exhibition victory.
Where to Watch
The University of Alaska Fairbanks athletics department announced a three-year extension of its media rights partnership with FloHockey on Sept. 19, ensuring that Nanooks Division I hockey will continue to be streamed live to fans across the country through the 2027–28 season.
FloHockey, one of the leading digital platforms for all levels of hockey coverage, has been the exclusive streaming home of Nanooks hockey since 2019-20. The new agreement extends that relationship and provides fans with continued access to every home game, as well as additional features such as highlights, on-demand replays, and expanded coverage.
Where to Listen
Bruce Cech will bring all of the live action to fans across the globe at KSUA 91.5 FM or on KSUAradio.com. Listen along for free wherever you may be.
Hilinski's Hope
This weekend, the Nanooks are proud to participate in Student-Athlete Mental Health Week alongside @HilinskisHope. This week is a call to action to raise mental health awareness, destigmatize help-seeking, and provide quality resources to our student-athletes because #MentalHealthMatters. The Nanooks hockey team will represent Hilinski's Hope with a white sticker featuring a green ribbon on the back of every helmet this weekend. The Hilinski's Hope Foundation was founded in 2018 by Mark and Kym Hilinski to honor the life of their son Tyler, who died by suicide yet never showed any signs of depression or struggle. Hilinski's Hope helps colleges and universities change and save lives, eliminate stigma, and scale mental wellness programs for student-athletes by sharing Tyler's story, connecting students with mental health resources, and assisting universities in institutionalizing best practices.
Careline Alaska Crisis
Careline Alaska Crisis Prevention will be tabling at Friday's game. Stop by Carelines' table to learn more and make a donation in support of mental health care.
Go Pink! with the Nanooks
The Nanooks have partnered with the Breast Cancer Detection Center of Alaska for Saturday's "Go Pink!" Night with the Nanooks. Fans are encouraged to wear pink as we continue the battle against breast cancer.
Pink Kinross Alaska Scarves
The first 2,000 fans in attendance to Saturday's game will receive a limited edition Alaska Nanooks, Kinross Alaska pink scarf! These scarves were made possible thanks to Saturday's game day sponsor, Kinross Alaska.
#NookNotes
- Alaska is coming off a 12-14-6 season in 2024-25. During last year's campaign, the Nanooks picked up ranked wins over Notre Dame and Union on the road, as well as wins over RV Augustana, Clarkson, and a shootout victory over the No. 3/4 Minnesota Gophers.
- The Nanooks lost their top three scorers from a season ago. Matt Hubbarde (13-10--23) led the 'Nooks and is now playing for the Iowa Heartlanders of the ECHL. Broten Sabo (8-13--21) was second on the team and transferred to Ohio State. Finally, Kyle Gaffney (6-14--20) was third, and transferred to Minnesota Duluth. He returns to Fairbanks this weekend with the Bulldogs.
- Chase Dafoe is the leading returning scorer. The center posted 17 points on 11 goals and six assists. He led the team with five power-play goals last year while adding a game-winner, and short-handed.
- Dafoe was named the captain of the 2025-26 Nanooks. He becomes the 49th captain of the Nanooks hockey program since 1979-80.
- Lassi Lehti is the lone returner between the pipes. The senior played in 13 games last season, making a dozen starts. He finished last year 7-3-2 with a 2.04 GAA and .924 save percentage.
Meet the Opponents
The Bulldogs come to Fairbanks for the first time in program history. All eight matchups, going back to the first in October 1984, have come in Duluth. Alaska won the last matchup a season ago, 2-1 OT. That was the Nanooks first-ever win over UMD. For the 26th season, the Bulldogs are led by Scott Sandelin. He holds a 469-408-104 record with UMD and ranks fourth in all active Division I men's hockey head coaches. UMD received votes in both national polls, however, did not crack either top 20. Former Nanook
Kyle Gaffney will likely skate in his 100th career game this weekend. He skated in 99 career games for the Blue and Gold before transferring. Max Plante was named to the NCHC Preseason All-Conference team for UMD. The sophomore had 28 points in his rookie season a year ago, posting nine goals and 19 assists in just 23 games.
What's to Come
Following this weekend's season and home opener, the Nanooks will head to the Icebreaker Tournament in Tempe, Ariz. where they'll open up against Quinnipiac on Oct. 10 before facing either Arizona State or Notre Dame the next night. Alaska then returns home for Michigan Tech on Oct. 17-18.
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