Anchorage, Alaska - The UBC Thunderbirds men's hockey tean came up short against the University of Alaska-Anchorage Friday night, losing 2-1 to the Seawolves at the Wells Fargo Center in Anchorage, Alaska.
Tonight marked game one of a two game exhibition trip to Alaska for the Thunderbirds. The Seawolves opened the scoring on the power play in the first period as Austin Coldwell beat Matt Hewitt to put the home side up 1-0. That is how things would stand through 20 minutes of play. Shots were 12-6 for Alaska-Anchorage.
The 'Birds found themselves in more penalty trouble in the second period. Jessi Hilton took a five minute major for checking from behind and the Seawolves would capitalize. Dylan Hubbs scored the second power play goal of the night for Alaska-Anchorage to extend the lead to 2-0 after two periods of play.Â
UBC came out flying in the third period, sending everything on net. Eventually they would be rewarded as Greg Fraser got the 'Birds on the board to cut the lead to 2-1. Nick Buonassisi and Matt Wray picked up the assists. The Thunderbirds would have their chances down the stretch to score the equalizer, especially on the man advantage, but they were unable to find the back of the net again. 2-1 was the final. UBC outshot Alaska-Anchorage 13-5 in the final frame. Overall the shots were 28-25 in favour of the Seawolves.
Special teams were the difference on the night as UBC went 0-for-9 on the power play, while Alaska-Anchorage was 2-for-4.
Next up for the 'Birds is a game with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks tomorrow night. Puck drop is 6:30 pm PST.
