The University of Alaska Fairbanks came into Saturday's hockey game with the No. 4 ranked University of Michigan with a purpose. The Nanooks needed a victory to stay in the hunt for home ice as the Central Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs approach.
Well thanks to two huge goals in the final period, the Nanooks got what they needed by picking up a 5-3 victory over the Wolverines and earning a split on the weekend. The victory improved UAF to 13-14-1 on the season and 12-11-1 in CCHA play. Michigan fell to 19-8-1 on the year and 14-5-1 in conference action.

The Wolverines jumped on top first Saturday with a goal by Andrew Ebbett at the 9:57 mark of the opening period. However, Ryan Campbell came right back later in the period to score a goal for the Nanooks and tie the game at 1-1. Campbell's goal, off a pass by Jared Sylvestre, came with 7:34 remaining in the period. Campbell then put UAF up 2-1 with a power play goal in the second period at the 1:22 mark.

However, Michigan, showed why it is a national powerhouse, and answered the Nanooks with two goals in 46 seconds. Milan Gajic tied the game at 2-2 with a shot past UAF goaltender Keith Bartusch at the 9:11 mark and Nick Martens made it 3-2 UM with a wrister just seconds later at 9:57.

But the Nanooks came fighting back. UAF's Jason Grinevitch knotted the score at 3-3 just before the end of the second period on a Nanook power play. Grinevitch's goal came off an assist from Campbell and Aaron Voros.
The Nanooks put the game out of reach in the final stanza when Kelly Czuy scored at the 6:46 mark and Tom Herman ended the scoring with a goal at 15:47. Herman's goal was unassisted.

Once again, the Nanooks outshot the Wolverines, 33-31 and went 2-6 on the power play. Michigan was 1-4 on the man advantage. UAF had six penalties for 12 minutes, while Michigan sent eight players to the penalty box for 16 minutes.

Bartusch picked up his seventh victory of the season in 13 decisions. He went the distance for the Nanooks and gave up three goals, while stopping 28 shots on goal. Michigan's net-minder Al Montoya also went the distance for the Wolverines, allowing five goals and making 28 saves. It was Montoya's seventh loss in 26 decisions this season.

The Nanooks must now prepare for their regular season home finale next weekend as Michigan State rolls into town. UAF and the Spartans will square off on Friday and Saturday, February 13-14. Both games will start at 7 p.m.

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