By Sycely Wheeles
The Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup is off to a strong start, as Alaska Anchorage readies to bring the fight to Anchorage. The team is determined to bring home the coveted title, looking forward to one of the most anticipated events of the season: UAA’s return to the Sullivan Arena.
With two new additions to the roster since the start of 2026, UAA’s freshest talent dominated the Nanooks with a 2-1 win, following an instant death shoot-out round on night one of the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup series. Newcomers Aaron Reierson and Jacob Terpstra are looking forward to what’s to come and already are standing out in their first few games as Seawolves.
Forward Aaron Reierson
“The culture and pace of it so far is definitely a step up from junior hockey,” said Reierson. “I’m surrounded by a bunch of great guys; they’ve been welcoming.”
Though the newest freshmen forwards’ efforts were brightly displayed on the scoreboard, it was the cooperation of the entire team that ultimately won the night. Goaltender Tyler Krivstov not only withstood a scoreless overtime, but also continued to shut down all three of Fairbanks’ shootout attempts.
“The first game was an intense one,” said Krivstov. “From the amount of penalties, to goals being called off, and finishing it with a shootout win… it was a game to remember, as well as analyze and build off of for the games going forward.”
With the first weekend of the in-state rivalry series complete, the pressure is on, as Anchorage will once again face off against Fairbanks over two consecutive weekends this February. For the first time in over a decade, the teams will meet at Anchorage’s Sullivan Arena.
“Our whole team can’t wait to play there,” Krivstov said. “Everyone has been talking about it, and we can’t wait to show the fans in Anchorage why we should be playing in that rink all year long.”
Tickets are available now to cheer on the home team as they battle the Nanooks, Feb. 6-7 and 20-21 at the Sullivan Arena in Anchorage.