The Seawolves added Providence College to their growing list of victories over nationally-ranked teams, shutting the foes out on the second night of the series.
By Avery Williamson
The Seawolves are seeing success in defeating nationally-ranked teams this year, including victories over UMass Lowell, Wisconsin and Penn State earlier this season. On Jan. 20, the team added yet another foe to the list as they shutout #9 Providence College, 4-0.
The weekend series began the night before, on Jan. 19, in Rhode Island. After a scoreless first period, the hosts got their names on the scoreboard seven minutes into the second period.
Thirty seconds later, Brett Bamber was sent to the penalty box for boarding. The Seawolves battled to keep Providence from scoring, but two minutes into the penalty Nick Poisson scored to increase the Friars’ lead. Neither team scored for the rest of the second period.
With four minutes left until the final buzzer, UAA pulled Jared Whale from the game to add another offensive player to the ice. The Seawolves took multiple shots, but Providence kept the puck out of the net and the hosts took the game by two goals.
“I thought we played a decent first period, but as the game wore on you could see we were missing some energy due to the extreme travel day,” said Head Coach Matt Shasby. “We didn’t make enough puck plays to create many good scoring chances, leading to the shutout.”
The Seawolves returned to the ice the next night determined to defeat the nationally-ranked team. Coach Shasby made a few key adjustments to help the Seawolves get on the scoreboard.
“We came out with a more aggressive mindset and I think we were much sharper due to the extra day of rest. We had a simple game plan of just getting pucks and bodies to the net.”
After another scoreless first period, the adjustments began to pay off. With less than eight minutes left in the second period, Alex Gomez got the Seawolves on the scoreboard with his first goal this season. The goal was assisted by Matt Kinash.
William Gilson continued the Seawolf momentum, scoring less than a minute later to extend their lead. Caleb Huffman and Jarred Whale recorded assists for the goal.
With those back-to-back goals, the Seawolves had officially found their groove and made no signs of slowing down. Max Helgeson fired the puck into the net for an unassisted goal three minutes later and the boys headed into the third period with a 3-0 lead over Providence.
“We have not had a scoring run like that all year, so there was a combination of excitement, relief and disbelief on the bench,” said Coach Shasby. “The boys really did what we asked and that was to not pass up a chance to shoot. Once the first puck went in, we gained a lot of confidence and energy.”
Though a Seawolf victory was already in sight, the added confidence and energy motivated the boys to continue shredding the ice. With less than five minutes left in the game, Adam Tisdale scored the last goal of the night. The goal was assisted by Porter Schachle and Matt Allen.
As the final buzzer went off, it was official–the Seawolves had defeated yet another nationally-ranked opponent.
“I was very happy for our boys to beat such a quality team like Providence,” said Coach Shasby. “A big win like that was well overdue and deserved. It definitely inserted some confidence as we build for this second half of the season.”
On March 8, the Seawolves will have a chance to defeat another nationally-ranked team–#18 Arizona State–in their final game of the season. The Avis Alaska Sports Complex will fill up fast, so buy tickets in advance here.
UP NEXT
On Saturday, Jan. 27, fans of all ages are encouraged to lace up their skates and join UAA Hockey at Westchester Lagoon to Skate with the Seawolves. The boys will be there 1-3 p.m. Fans can take photos and skate with the players. Hot chocolate and coffee is available for free to participants.
The Seawolves return to home ice on Feb. 3 to take on Alaska Fairbanks for the final time this season.
Anchorage fans are encouraged to head to the Avis Alaska Sports Complex for home games and join the official watch party at Las Margaritas–located at 541 W. Dimond Blvd–for away games.