MADISON, Wis. – Though the Badgers outshot the Seawolves by 20, the No. 6 Wisconsin men's hockey team was dealt its first home loss of the season on Friday Night, falling 1-0 to Alaska Anchorage at the Kohl Center.
The first period was quiet, with both teams skating into the second period scoreless. Wisconsin (9-4-0, 4-2-0) had three power-play opportunities during the opening period, but was unable to convert on any scoring chances.
The Badgers started the second period off hot, tallying seven shots on goal in the first five minutes, including three close chances while on the penalty kill. None were enough to beat Alaska Anchorage (6-8-1) goaltender Jack Whale.
The Seawolves scored the game's only goal 18:34 into the second period on a screened point shot from Gunnar VanDamme.
Wisconsin had a chance to tie it with six minutes left in the third period when sophomore defenseman Ben Dexheimer slipped the puck past the netminder, but Alaska Anchorage won its challenge for goaltender interference, keeping the score 1-0.
The Badgers continued to fight but couldn't light the lamp in the final minutes of the game, finishing with a final shot advantage of 41-21.
Notes to know:
- This marks the fourth game this season where the Badgers have recorded 40+ shots
- Sophomore forward Cruz Lucius tied his career high in shots in a game with seven (last versus Lindenwood on Nov. 19, 2022)
- Wisconsin has gone 0-for-15 on the power play over its last three games
Straight From the Rink
Head Coach Mike Hastings
On tonight's performance
"We can't change tonight, we can change what's going forward and we've gotta own what we do on a daily."
On how to prepare for tomorrow
"Tonight it wasn't quite good enough, and we've gotta look in the mirror and assess that and then redirect and get back after it because Alaska is gonna be excited. They got one, they wanna get two. We've gotta find a way to turn this learning experience tonight into one that you don't forget."
Up Next: The Badgers continue their series against Alaska Anchorage on Saturday, Nov. 25 at 6 p.m. The game is available to stream live on B1G+ while audio play-by-play will be available on 1070 The Game, the Badgers app and The Varsity Network App. You can also follow along on X/Twitter and Instagram @BadgerMHockey.
