The Alaska Nanooks competed in the first two games of the Governors Cup but ended up in disappointment after losing 6-5 on Friday and tying 1-1 on Saturday.

Coach Tavis MacMillan attributed the initial loss at the Carlson Center to UAA being a very physical team and the 'Nooks not following up on opportunities.

"One of the things that really hurt us was I thought they took advantage of their size up front," he said.

During the first period Friday, the 'Nooks took advantage of their speed and superior puck handling to score two goals on Seawolves goalie Nathan Lawson, leaving the period 2-0.

Kyle Greentree slipped one in the UAA net early with the assistance of defenseman Tyler Eckford in a two man rush. Later Greentree shot in another goal, though officials gave it to Dion Knelsen who happened to have the puck bounce off him into the goal as he crossed in front.

Brothers Junior Aaron Lee and Freshman Jeff Lee shared a full minute together in the penalty box after two separate infractions timed shortly apart.

Second period the 'Wolves bit back, scoring two goals bringing the game to a tie of 2-2. The 'Nooks had opportunities, including a five on three power play but just couldn't get their follow through game aggressive enough to get past UAA's defense.

In period three, Alaska player Nathan Fornataro scored with the assistance of Aaron Lee and Curtis Fraser, bringing to score to another tie of 3-3 after UAA scored earlier in the period.

Next up on the shooting team was Dion Knelsen on a breakaway faking then shooting in on the left side of the net bringing the score 4-3.

UAA soon brought the score back to a tie of 4-4 but was soon trumped by Tyler Eckford, bringing the score to 5-4.

The 'Nooks looked to have game one of the Governor's Cup in the bag when the 'Wolves scored in the last 15.7 seconds of the period, bringing the score to 5-5 and putting the game into overtime. However, the 'Wolves used their strength to manage an overtime final goal, ending the game 5-6.

A visibly depressed fan base greeted representatives of the team in a press conference afterwards.

"Don't be so somber people, you would have begged to get five goals last year," MacMillan said.

MacMillan and players also took a tone of personal responsibility for the loss and attested that they were going to try to play a more aggressive defense and capitalize on more opportunities Saturday.

And that they did, sort of.

During Saturday's game two of the Governor's Cup, the 'Nooks fought with more vigor in their defense and face-offs managing the Seawolves size superiority to a tie game of 1-1.

Delighted were the blue and green painted fans alike watching hit after hit into the glass by both teams.

First period's tone was set much the same as the previous night with the Seawolves pressuring on offense and the 'Nooks failing in the follow through letting the 'Wolves score and end the period 0-1.

Second period featured no goals. In period three, the 'Nooks realized their speed and puck handling superiority and managed a 14-3 shot advantage over the 'Wolves.

Justin Binab scored the tying point, assisted by Brandon Gawryletz and Adam Naglich. This tie brought things to overtime where the 'Nooks dominated puck control but couldn't seem to finish the job leaving the game a tie of 1-1.

UAA's head hockey coach Dave Shyiak said Saturday's game reflected well on the 'Nooks drive saying,

"They jumped up a bit more tonight," he said.

The Governor's Cup resumes in Anchorage on Dec. 29-30. The 'Nooks face-off against Ferris State on Friday and Saturday.