In what was initially billed as a tune-up for next week's CCHA play-in
against Ohio State, the Nanooks found themselves in a dogfight with the
Division II Mavericks of Mankato State.  It was a see-saw affair, with
neither team able to gain the upper hand until center Greg Milles netted
the game winner in overtime as UAF downed MSU 3-2.
 
The game began with both teams looking tentative.  The Mavericks were
likely feeling the effects of the long plane ride while the Nanooks
appeared rusty after a two week layoff.  The first period ended in a
scoreless tie with Mankato holding a 9-2 advantage in shots and a 2-1
power play edge. In addition to being whistled for frequent offside
violations, both squads had difficulty connecting on passes.
 
Period two opened with a bang, however, as UAF winger Corey Spring
one-timed a Warren Carter feed past Maverick goalie Ron Bookler just 30
seconds into the period.  Carter had wrested the puck away from a Mankato
defender in the right corner, placing the puck right on Spring's stick
just outside the crease for his 15th score of the year.  True to season
form, though, UAF allowed their celebration to continue after the ensuing
face-off, enabling the Mavericks to tie the score at the 1:00 mark.
 
Jason Rintala broke loose in between the circles and, skating to
goaltender Larry Moberg's right, blasted a perfect ice-level slapshot just
inside the far goalpost.  Assisting on the play were Dave Smith and Derek
Schwark (apparently no relation to UAF defenseman Bob Schwark).  UAF
regained the lead at 13:42 on a nice shot from just inside the blue line
by Kirk Patton.  Milles and Sean Fraser assisted on the shot, which
appeared to beat a partially screened Bookler.  For the period, UAF
outshot MSU by a 13-7 margin.
 
The Nanooks again dominated play in the third period, amassing a shots on
goal advantage of 11-4.  However, they failed to score despite several
prime opportunities.  Bookler repeatedly gobbled up rebounds, negating
many fine shots from the blue line.  As with many previous games,
indecisiveness plagued UAF shooters patrolling the perimeter.  Thus, it
was not surprising to the 3,176 in attendance when Mankato tied the score
with 1:15 to play in regulation.  With the goaltender pulled on a delayed
penalty, Aaron Broten netted his 8th of the year from James Palmer and
Ryan Liebel.  I must confess I did not see the goal as my attention was
focused on Bookler's exit to the MSU bench.  Suffice to say that this is
not the first time the Nanooks have blown a late lead at home (last series
against Miami saw the 'Nooks blow a 2-1 lead in the final 5 minutes en
route to a 3-2 loss).
 
In the end, fate smiled on the home team.  Milles and company crashed the
Maverick net as Bookler juggled a loose rebound.  Referee Mark Weber had a
bird's eye view from behind the net as the puck trickled over the goal
line 1:19 into the extra frame.  Bookler was jostled a bit as he fought to
control the puck and there was a lot of traffic in the crease.  Several
MSU players as well as coach Don Brose vehemently argued their case to
Weber but were unable to have the goal disallowed.  Our seats are above
and behind the net so we had a very good look at the play and the referee
made a good call.  Weber held up his whistle to blow the play dead as soon
as Bookler controlled the puck, which he was unable to do.  After the goal
light was lit, Weber skated up to the back of the net and signaled the
goal.
 
Unfortunately, Coach Brose ordered his players to leave the ice
immediately without shaking hands with UAF after the game.  Many of the
spectators commented as to the poor sportsmanship displayed by the
Mavericks.  After all, it would seem that their beef was with the referee,
not with the opposing players.  Hopefully, this ill will won't spread to
tomorrow's rematch.
 
As for the numbers, UAF outshot the Mavericks 27-20, including overtime.
Neither team scored a special teams goal as MSU went 0-4 on the power play
while killing off both Nanook man advantage situations.  Unofficial (read
that *mine*) stars to Milles, Bookler and Spring.  Moberg was solid in net
for UAF but was not tested seriously.  With the win, UAF improves to
10-20-1 while the loss dropped Mankato to 20-12 on the season.
 
A few final thoughts occurred to me on the short drive home (less than a
mile from the arena to my house).  Perhaps the tight game tonight will
cause UAF to rethink its strategy for tomorrow and Tuesday at Ohio State.
The Nanooks are certainly capable of winning both games and perhaps even
surprising a loftier playoff opponent.  They have shown some promise in
the past few games, playing better team defense and shooting to set up
rebounds.  This blue collar approach, rather than an attempt to play
finesse hockey, suits a young club trying to sew together some confidence
heading into its inaugural season as a full CCHA member.
 
More insights into the upcoming playoffs as well as scores and highlights
to follow after Saturday's game.
 
MArk Sonnier
UAF '90, '96