Nanooks Battle Adversity to Even Governor's Cup Race, Take Down UAA 5-4

Well the first period looked like the Nanooks managed to get the transmission out of 3rd gear. Early on yesterday, I thought we were skating circles around them but moreso tonight. Another quick goal, this time for Beck. Then a quick second goal on a transition turnover created by Erickson, battled for by Friese who won the battle against Derek Docken and sent a saucer backdoor for Hadukovich who banged it home. Great play in transition for that group, and the start to what I though was a great night for Hajdukovich. He has really played well of late. And he gets rewarded with his first collegiate goal in the biggest regular season series of the year. Big one for him.

That began what was a series of unfortunate events for Alaska as they battled penalty call after penalty call. The first of the game a bench minor for too many men on a bad change. Blake Tatchell collects a rebound on a flurry in front of the net and scored to cut the lead to 1.

That would be the first of 9 penalties in the game, 8 of which gave Anchorage the advantage, Including a major and misconduct to Tyler Morley for a big hit behind the Nanooks net. Couldn't see who took the hit but he spent a bit of time down on the ice as Morley got the gate. A lot of people in the UAF crowd yelled for diving. I'm not personally a fan of making such assumptions but nonetheless it was a big hit and he got the boot. 

But the calls continued as penalty after penalty assessed against the Nanooks forced several 5 on 3 situations.

While the penalty kill stayed strong early, after the first 5 on 3 ended, Anchorage was able to get the tying goal just as both players were able to get out of the box. 

After seemingly being able to escape the 2nd period and salvaging a tie, I'm sure everyone was hoping that the intermission would allow the 'Nooks to regroup a bit, aided by a bit of an extended intermission as the clock started late. 

But the 'Nooks unfortunately found themselves down 4-2 early in the 3rd after 2 quick scores 33 seconds apart within the first 3 minutes of the 3rd. 

Coach Ferguson then called a timeout to rally the troops and regroup. What followed was a feat to behold. And it was the skill players stepping up and making plays. The first was Colton Parayko joining the rush as Basara pulled out his camping chair in front of the net. Parayko's stick skills force two defenders to chase, but he still managed to get it to Basara who just had Gunderson to beat to bring it to within one. 

Then Trevor Campbell springs Cody Kunyk who tears through the Seawolves D and finds Colton Beck staring at an open net. Tape to tape and Beck buries it to tie. A must watch highlight. http://youtu.be/wrydhdYB8O8?a

Then Cody Kunyk buries the game winner with 2:47 to go seals the game winner as the Nanooks earn their first win in 7 games, evening the Governor's cup series 1-1. 

Alaska heads to Bemidji next weekend with some momentum as the Nanooks try to stay in the mix with the rest of the league before heading into the break.