Nanooks Take Second Consecutive Kendall Classic

A great outing by the Nanooks as they come up 2-0 in the Kendall Classic tournament, blanking the University of Michigan 2-0, and routing the Mercyhurst Lakers 5-1. The Nanooks came out hot against the Wolverines, skating well, checking well, and keeping pucks out of scoring areas. I was really impressed with our defense, namely Joe Sova and Aaron Gens. All of our guys really stuck it to the Michigan forwards, forcing turnovers, and neutralizing the rush attacks.

I've talked about all of our rookies before, but its worth mentioning again that this freshman class of hockey players is unlike any others we have seen. Last year's outing really helped our recruiting efforts, and a huge applause to our coaching staff for scouting out and picking up some real quality players. Last year was pretty good too, coming up with Justin Filzen, Joe Sova, Meyers, Bradish, etc, all of which are really starting to shine.

Our upper-classmen are really appreciating all the help they are getting. Last night against Mercyhurst, freshman Andy Taranto and senior Dion Knelsen really clicked, with each of their goals coming off of assists from the other, and both of them coming up with 3 point nights.

And Scott Greenham, what a showing. This guy shouldn't have a single goal against him, but its going to take the same kind of trash goals and redirections in front of the crease to get the job done against him. Right now, his total stats reflect 65 shots against, coming up with 63 saves with only 2 goals against, 96.9% save percentage with only 0.66666666... goals against average across all 3 games so far, posting 1 shutout. Greenham is now 5-0-1 as a starting goalie.

On a similar note, the Nanook defense have killed every penalty so far this season, killing all 12 chances by our opponents.  Our offense is also averaging 4.33 goals per game, and have capitalized on 5 power plays of 17 chances, for a 29.4% power play scoring, well over the sub-10% mark from last season. Definitely something to build on for the season.

The Nanooks will have some more opportunities to build on next week as Alaska enters the 2nd annual Brice Alaska Goal Rush in the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, as they take on CHA teams Robert Morris and RPI.