Ice hockey falls at Alaska-Fairbanks in series finale

FAIRBANKS, Alaska – The University of Alaska-Fairbanks defeated the American International College ice hockey team 2-1 in a nonconference contest on Sunday, October 2.

The Yellow Jackets fall to 0-1-1 with the setback.

All of the scoring in the game occurred in the second period. Just past the midway point of the frame, Cade Neilson won a battle on the right side of the ice and found Jonny Sorenson at the top of the blue paint for a goal at 10:31.

The second goal for the Nanooks was similar, but this time it came from the left corner. Kyle Gaffney won a battle along the boards and fed Colin Doyle in the slot with a pass. Doyle cut to the right and lofted the puck into the net at 17:12 to extend the lead to 2-0.

AIC cut its deficit back to one barely a minute later. Brett Rylance was able to win a battle in the left circle and cut to the netmouth for a chance; his bid was denied, but the rebound bounced to Nicholas Cardelli, who put it home at 18:21 for his first of the season.

AIC had its best chances in the third, including a breakaway by Blake Bennett and three bids on a 5-on-3, but the tying goal eluded the Yellow Jackets as the Nanooks held on for the win.

Alexandros Aslanidis was sharp in his debut, ending with 27 saves despite falling to 0-1-0 with the loss.

The Yellow Jackets now turn their attention to the University of Massachusetts. The Minutemen visit the MassMutual Center on Saturday, October 8 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are available on www.aictix.com, and the MassMutual Center will have beer on draft for $2 through the first intermission.