Dogs Struggle in Home Opener
October 9, 2022 – North American Hockey League (NAHL) – Fairbanks Ice Dogs News Release
FAIRBANKS, ALASKA – The Anchorage Wolverines spoiled home opening weekend taking both games by scores of 6-2 and 4-2 respectively. The sweep allowed the Wolverines to also snag an early 4-point lead in the Club 49 Cup presented by Alaska Airlines. The Ice Dogs, who have now dropped three games in a row, find themselves in a 3-way tie for third place in the NAHL Midwest Division with 14 points.
The Dogs struck first on Friday night off Julian Recine’s fourth goal of the season, while Noah Wood’s third goal of the season put the Dogs up 2-1 midway through the first period. However, goal scoring dried up for the home team, as Anchorage went on to score five unanswered to claim the 6-2 win and the first two points of the 2022-23 Club 49 cup.
A better showing for the Ice Dogs on Saturday night, but similar results. Marc Lund scored a pair of goals to keep the Dogs in it, but not enough as the Wolverines skate to a 4-2 win to claim the sweep. A tough weekend for Kayden Hargraves, as the Ice Dogs net minder made 46 saves on 55 shots to take the loss in net both nights.
Now in terms of points, the Dogs are in a 3-way log jam for third place in the division. However, in terms of winning percentage, they rank 5th in the Midwest. The red-hot Kenai River Brown Bears sit alone atop the Midwest Division. The Janesville Jets hold second place, while Chippewa and Minnesota join the Dogs in third place. Springfield and Wisconsin bring up the rear.
The Dogs hit the road this weekend, traveling to the Kenai Peninsula to take on the Kenai River Brown Bears in Soldotna. The Dogs then return to the Dip for a 5-game home stand to close out the month of October.
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