Nanooks Take the Lead Against Seawolves in the Race for the Governor's Cup
By Autumn McPherson
Photo by Autumn McPherson
Broten Sabo defending the puck.
On February 1st, the Nanooks had their second match against our rivals, the Seawolves (hailing from the University of Alaska Anchorage), with Matt Hubbarde making the night's first goal within 34 seconds of the game. Around the 5-minute mark, Broten Sabo achieved the second goal, and Hubbarde accomplished the third goal of the period, scoring 3-0.
With both teams on high defense, only one goal was made during the second period, which was achieved by the opposing team. Gunnar VanDamme, Seawolves athlete, held onto UAF player Cade Ahrenholz, causing him to lose balance and crash into the opposing goalie. VanDamme received a holding penalty shortly after as the events took place in a matter of seconds, delaying the referee’s call. UAF shortly followed with an Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalty on Chase Defoe around the 15-minute mark.
Photo by Autumn McPherson
Cade Ahrenholz crashed into the opposing goalie.
At the beginning of the third period, Chase Dafoe achieved a redirect, assisting Hubbarde with his third goal of the night. 5:43 minutes into the period, opposing player Dimitri Kebreau received a penalty for elbowing a UAF player in the head. A minute later, Hubbarde was penalized for interference.
While in the penalty box, audience members were heard yelling at him encouraging words such as “Get us a hat trick, 39!” (a hat trick is when an individual achieves three goals in one game) while screaming at the opposing team's players in the penalty box to “Sit down bitch”, showing the aggressive and competitive nature of hockey.
These comments cracked a smile on Hubbarde’s face that could only be described as one of determination as he immediately accessed the puck once out of the box. A short break was called around the middle of the period as the puck flowed over the glass into the audience. Near the end of the period, Hubbarde achieved the previously spoken hat trick when the Seawolves pulled their goalie, leaving an empty net.
Hubbarde ended the game with a final goal, assisted by Adam Cardona, leaving the Nanooks with a victory of 5-1. The Nanooks are currently taking the lead in the Alaska Airlines Governor’s Cup. The last home game is this weekend, February 8th, 2025, when the winner of the Governor’s Cup will be announced.