For the second consecutive evening, the UAF Nanooks skated toe-to-toe with
the best team in college hockey, only to fall short in the game's final
moments.  Colorado College escaped Fairbanks with a 4-3 overtime victory
thanks to a hat trick by Chad Remackel, including the game winner at 2:21
of the extra period.  The Tigers completed the series sweep for coach Don
Lucia, who marked his first return trip to the Carlson Center since
leaving UAF for Colorado Springs two years ago.
 
It looked early on to many of the 3,008 in attendance that an upset was in
the making as the Nanooks opened up a 2-0 lead on goals by Cody Bowtell
and Corey Spring.  Bowtell's score came at the 7:28 mark of the first
period following a nice cross-ice pass from Spring, who had just emerged
from the penalty box following a questionable interference call involving
Tiger goalie Judd Lambert.  The Nanooks had several chances to increase
their lead on breakaways caused by ferocious forechecking and quick
skating.  It was not until Spring's power play goal at 0:52 of period 2
(with Ryan Reynard serving a minor for cross checking at the end of the
first period) that UAF was able to convert again.
 
Colorado College quickly recovered, scoring three unanswered goals to take
a 3-2 lead into the locker room at the second intermission.  Nanook
defenseman Mark Cotter's errant clearing pass at the 2:03 mark enabled
Remackel to beat goalie Larry Moberg between the pads to cut the deficit
to 2-1.  Colin Schmidt one-timed a shot past Moberg at 12:44 to tie the
score.  Remackel then added his second of the night at 19:11, a nice back
door play assisted by Bobby Needham.
 
The Tigers gave the Nanooks a 5-on-3 advantage early in the third frame
with penalties to Peter Geronazzo (minor plus 10 minute misconduct) and
Needham.  Greg Milles tied the game for UAF after a flurry in front of
Lambert involving Kirk Patton and Sean Fraser.  The Nanooks failed to
capitalize on the ensuing 5-on-4 situation, as CC was able to clear the
puck the length of the ice for the remainder of the penalty.
 
The Tigers' overwhelming advantage in shots on goal (45-24) finally paid
off in the overtime period, when Remackel completed the hat trick with
assistance from Jay McNeill and Needham.  The goal came after several
shots on Moberg were turned away, only to have the Nanook defense fail to
clear the zone.  At the conclusion of the game, the crowd gave both teams
a well-deserved standing ovation.
 
Having had the privilege of watching both current #1 contenders Maine and
Colorado College visit Fairbanks this season and turn in memorable
performances, it is clear the UAF program has come into its own.  Despite
a disappointing record (5-14-1), the Nanooks have proven they are ready to
skate in the CCHA as full members next season.  Indeed, their performance
this weekend has shown they can skate with anyone in the country in my
opinion.
 
It's hard to believe there was a time not so long ago when a few hundred
fans (mostly students) would watch UAF face the likes of USIU-San Diego
and Northern Arizona up on campus in the rather spartan confines of the
Patty Ice Arena.  Or better yet, a time when the only game around was to
serve as whipping post for Alaska Anchorage 8 or 10 (or more) times per
season.  Sure, this season's saving grace is that is means so little in
the grand scheme of things.  But as the saying goes, wait until next
year...
 
Happy New Year!
 
Mark Sonnier
UAF '90